What to look for in new infection

Have you heard of MRSA? It’s pronounced “MER-sa,” and it stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In plain language, that’s a bacterial infection resistant to antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin.

A MRSA infection can make you very ill. While it’s mostly found in hospitals and medical settings, the possibility of infection is everywhere. Healthy people can carry the bacteria on the skin and not have any symptoms. The problem comes if it gets into the bloodstream through the skin.

Here are some tips to help avoid a MRSA infection:

“Don’t share towels or a razor with anyone, even a spouse.

“Carry a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer when you go out.

“Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap or a hand sanitizer with alcohol in it.

“If you get a cut or abrasion, put antiseptic on it and cover with a bandage to make sure no germs get through your skin.

“If you have a cut, abscess or boil that’s become red, painful and swollen, see your doctor right away. If it’s MRSA, you can be started on a treatment immediately, before it causes serious medical problems.

If you go into the hospital for a procedure:

“Ask your doctor if you should use chlorhexidine soap for a few days before surgery to remove any bacteria that might be on your skin.

“Be sure that a stethoscope used on your chest or back has been wiped down with alcohol first.

“Insist that medical personnel who treat you wash their hands first. Don’t be shy about that. It’s your body and you have a right to ask.

Can MRSA infections kill you? Yes. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself and your hygiene. Caught early, MRSA is treatable, but it’s better not to get it in the first place.