What Is it?
Staphylococcus aureus (SA) are bacteria found in the nose and/or on the skin of about 3 in 10 healthy people. Most people don’t know that they are carrying SA bacteria
When these bacteria are in your nose or on the surface of your skin, they will not normally harm you. However, if SA does get into or through your skin, they can cause a variety of infections, such as skin and wound infections. Sometimes, SA can cause serious infections in your blood, lungs or other tissues.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSAs) are strains of SA that have become resistant to some antibiotics that are commonly used to treat SA infections. MRSA is not easier to catch and does not cause more severe infections than other SA.
Why is MRSA a concern?
MRSA infections are more difficult to treat because MRSA is resistant to some common antibiotics. There are fewer antibiotics that doctors can use to treat infections caused by these bacteria.
How is MRSA Spread?
Because SA can be on the surface of a person’s skin, the most common way MRSA spreads from person to person is by direct contact.
If you have MRSA, you can prevent the spread by keeping wounds covered, washing your hands regularly, and avoiding sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms that may have had contact with a contaminated wound or bandage.
What are your chances of getting infected with MRSA?
If you are healthy and living in the community, your chances of becoming sick with MRSA are low. You may be at higher risk if you have had long-term, frequent, or intensive use of antibiotics. You may also be at higher risk if you have had intensive hospital care or surgery, particularly in hospitals where previous cases of MRSA have been reported.
The residents of Glacier View Lodge do have a higher risk of becoming infected with MRSA than the general population, so we must ask all visitors to always wash their hands with the provided handwash pump every time they enter or exit the building.
Steps to Prevent the Spread of MRSA
There is no vaccine to protect you from MRSA. The most important thing you can do is wash your hands before eating, drinking, smoking or applying personal care products, and after using the toilet. Wash your hands well for at least fifteen seconds using warm water and soap, and use a paper towel to dry your hands.
While at Glacier View Lodge, visitors will need to follow our guidelines to prevent the spread of MRSA. This includes washing your hands or using alcohol hand rub when entering and leaving the Lodge and/or the resident’s room