How To Prevent MRSA Infections – And Feel Better If You Get One
MRSA is a version of staphylococcus aureus bacteria that is resistant to many standard antibiotics. An infection can lead to serious illness, causing the patient to need to be hospitalized, missing valuable time from work, school, or family. Here are some ways that you prevent getting a staph infections and ways to feel better if you do come down with one.
MRSA bacteria are found everywhere. About a third of the population carries it somewhere on their bodies without ever getting sick. It only causes a problem if it gets into your body through a cut, surgical wound, IV site, etc. Once in the body, the bacteria can multiply, leading to an infection.
The best way to protect yourself against MRSA and other types of infections, good hygiene and cleanliness is the best way to do this. Make sure that wash your hands frequently throughout the day, and shower or take bath on a daily basis.
If you get an injury, make sure that you keep it clean and covered. Cuts and scrapes are prone to infection, as well as skin reactions to eczema, poison ivy, and other allergic reactions. If your doctor suggests an antibiotic ointment or other treatment for your injuries, follow dosing instructions exactly. You should not share towels, sheets, clothing, or other linens with a family member that has a staph infection until the infection has fully healed.
If you do contract a staph infection, you will want to keep it from spreading to other parts of your body. Do not touch the infected skin. Cover any wounds until they are fully healed. When you clean the area, only use a towel once before disposing of it or washing it in hot water.
When you do become stick, your first priority will be to get better. With MRSA, it can be difficult to predict how long it will take for the infection to be cured. A lot depends on where the infection is located and how well it responds to treatment. For instance, the typical boil can take up to three weeks to fully heal.
If you are experiencing pain from your skin infection, you can try soaking the area in warm water. A heating pad or hot water bottle applied to the area for 20 minutes a few times a day can also help. Over the counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can also help reduce the pain.
Styes usually heal on their own in a few days, and a warm compress held over the eye a few times a day may help. If the stye does not heal within a few days, see your doctor and ask about an antibiotic ointment.
Do not shave an area with a staph infection until the area clears up if you can avoid it. If it cannot be avoided, use a new disposable razor for each shave or disinfect your electric razor after each use. This can prevent transmission of the MRSA bacteria to other, healthy areas of your skin.
