MRSA

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of bacteria that usually lives harmlessly on the surface of the skin. But it can trigger a serious infection if it gets inside the body.

People in care settings, such as hospitals and care homes, are particularly at risk of infection.

If you are going into hospital for surgery then your skin may be checked for MRSA as a precaution.

Symptoms of MRSA

The symptoms of MRSA can vary depending on how far the infection has spread into the body.

If the bacteria has moved under the skin then you would usually notice a bump or affected area of your skin that:

• looks red – though this may be harder to see on dark skin
• is painful and swollen
• feels warm when you touch it
• leaks pus or liquid

If the bacteria moves further into the body, such as into the blood or the lungs, it can cause more wider ranging symptoms, such as:

• high temperature
• shortness of breath
• chills
• dizziness
• mental confusion

Treating MRSA

MRSA can be treated with antibiotics.

Antibiotic tablets can be used for mild cases of MRSA. More serious cases may require antibiotic injections.

Your recommended course of antibiotics could last from a few days to a few months, depending on where in the body the infection has spread to.

If you do get a serious MRSA infection you will need to be admitted to hospital (if you are not in hospital already).

This is because your health will need to be carefully monitored and you may need additional support, such as help with your breathing.

In some cases you may need additional treatment to repair any damage or complications that can sometimes happen in more serious cases. For example, minor surgery may be required to drain an abscess.

Preventing MRSA

The most effective way to prevent MRSA is frequent hand washing.

This is especially important in care setting such as a hospital.

When visiting a hospital, or similar, it is usually recommended you sanitise your hands every time you enter a ward and then again when leaving it.

MRSA screening

If you are going into hospital for surgery then your skin may be screened for MRSA.

MRSA usually lives harmlessly on the skin but there is a risk it could get inside your body during surgery.

Some hospitals will arrange a screening appointment for you. This involves a nurse swabbing your nose or groin. The swabs are then sent for testing.

A number of hospital provide self-test kits so you can swab yourself and post in the results.

MRSA decolonisation

If the swabs do show that you have MRSA on your skin then it will need to be removed before the surgery can take place. This is known as MRSA decolonisation.

This usually involves the hospital sending you a nasal cream or spray, a body wash and a shampoo that you need to use daily. You will also be sent instructions on how to use the items.

The hospital may screen you again after decolonisation to make sure it worked.

Causes of MRSA infection

The main way MRSA is spread is through touch. The bacteria can be spread when a person with MRSA touches another person.

It can also happen if somebody with MRSA touches a surface or object and then somebody else touches it.

People who live or work in crowded environments such as armed forces bases, prisons or dorms are more likely to pick up MRSA on their skin in this way. Rates of MRSA are also higher among men who have sex with men.

MRSA will only cause symptoms if spreads inside the body. Known risk factors for MRSA infection include:

• having to spend prolonged periods in hospital; especially if a person is being treated for another serious condition
• having an artificial opening in your body such as a catheter
• significant damage to the skin that could allow the bacteria to get inside the body, such as a burn or a wound

However, MRSA infections have been known to affect people with no risk factors and who were otherwise healthy.