MRSA - What is it? Information for patients

Transcription

1 MRSA - What is it? Information for patients

2 Background This leaflet has been produced in response to the increased awareness around MRSA. It is hoped that the information will reduce a lot of the misunderstandings and fears that surround MRSA. What is MRSA? MRSA stands for: Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus It is a strain of a common germ (bacteria) called Staphylococcus aureus. It is not visible to the naked eye and it cannot fly or jump. Staphylococcus aureus lives completely harmlessly on the skin and in the nose of about one third of healthy people. MRSA is a strain that is resistant to methicillin (a type of penicillin) and some other antibiotics that are usually used to treat Staphylococcus aureus infections. What illnesses are caused by MRSA? Like many other germs MRSA can cause problems when it gets the opportunity to enter the body, for example, through cuts, surgical wounds, sores or rashes. It is more likely to happen in people who are already unwell. MRSA can cause abscesses, boils and it can infect wounds. These are called local infections. It can sometimes spread into the body and cause serious infections such as blood poisoning. Is MRSA treatable? MRSA is no more dangerous or disease-causing than other strains of Staphylococcus aureus. It is treatable but more difficult because not all

3 antibiotics are effective against it. It is not always necessary to treat MRSA but, where infection is present, antibiotics that are effective against MRSA can be used. How do you get MRSA? It is often difficult to identify where the MRSA came from, as some people carry it naturally and others may have caught it. MRSA can be passed from person to person through: contact with open wounds of people with MRSA contact with soiled dressings from a person with MRSA poor hand washing and hygiene by anyone including staff, patients and relatives MRSA can also be present in the environment. Therefore cleanliness is important as is the cleaning of equipment, especially in healthcare settings. Who is at risk from MRSA? MRSA is usually found in care settings such as hospitals and care homes. It is more likely to affect vulnerable and weakened people than those in good health. Vulnerable patients include those who are acutely ill or being cared for in intensive or specialist care units and those who have undergone major surgery. MRSA is one of the most common germs involved with healthcare-associated infections. MRSA does not pose a risk to care staff, family members or friends (including children and pregnant women) unless they are not in good health. If you have concerns, please discuss these with a healthcare professional (see overleaf for contacts).

4 How is the spread of MRSA prevented? Thorough handwashing is the most important precaution to be taken. In hospital patients may be nursed in a single room or in a separate area. There are no special precautions required in the home. However if you are in hospital it will be necessary to use an antiseptic nose cream, body and hair wash to help reduce the chance of you getting an infection. How can you tell if someone has MRSA? MRSA will not cause people to look or feel different from others. It is only identified when a swab or sample is taken and tested in the laboratory. The doctor uses the results of these tests to decide which drugs are used to treat it. Does anyone need to know if someone has MRSA? If a person knows or thinks they have got or had MRSA they should tell the healthcare worker caring for them, or the hospital staff if they are being admitted to hospital. This is so specific care can be arranged. Unplanned/acute admission to hospital. What happens now? You will have had swabs taken to look for MRSA as part of your admission procedure. Please ask the nurse caring for you for your results. If you are found to be carrying (colonised with) the germ MRSA, you will be provided with a body wash treatment and some ointment to put up your nose. The nurse will inform you when and how to use the treatment (see also How to treat yourself if you have MRSA )

5 I am coming into hospital for a planned operation and have been found to have MRSA. What happens now? Before coming into hospital for an elective (planned) operation, you will be invited to attend an appointment prior to this to have some routine checks performed. During this appointment, swabs will be taken to look for MRSA. If you are found to be carrying (colonised with) the germ MRSA, you will be provided with a body wash treatment and some ointment to put up your nose. The nurse will inform you when and how to use the treatment (see also How to treat yourself if you have MRSA ) How to treat yourself if you have MRSA If you have been found to be carrying (colonised with) the germ MRSA, you will be issued with a body wash treatment and a nasal treatment to put up your nose. To try to get rid of the MRSA, follow these instructions: 1. Treatment using the nasal ointment Apply the ointment to the front, inside areas of both your nostrils as per instructions. (i). Apply nasal ointment to cotton wool bud or finger (ii). Apply to front, inside areas of both nostrils. Close your nose by pressing both sides together and then let go. (iii). Wash your hands thoroughly after use.

6 2. Treatment using the body wash Body washing - Do not dilute: wet your skin and then apply the body wash using a damp disposable/cloth or your hands. Do not stay under the shower or in the bath water whilst applying the body wash for the 60 seconds treatment time. Pay particular attention to your genital area, groin and armpits. Leave on your skin for at least 60 seconds for it to be effective, then rinse and dry your skin thoroughly with a clean towel. If skin irritation develops, wash off immediately and contact your GP or a nurse in the infection, prevention and control team at the hospital. Hair washing: Use the liquid as a shampoo and wash your hair twice in the 5 days. (day 1 and day 4). Avoid contact with your eyes. If skin irritation develops, wash off immediately and contact your GP or a nurse in the infection, prevention and control team at the hospital. Our number is (i) Wash, shower of bathe and do not stay under the shower or stay in the bath water whilst applying the treatment. (ii) Put body wash onto damp cloth or apply directly to the skin. Leave on skin for at least 60 seconds, before washing off.

7 (iii) Pay particular attention to armpits, groin and genital areas (iv). For hair washing, ensure the body wash is used in place of shampoo twice a week. (On day 1 and day 4) (v). Wash for at least 60 seconds. (vi). Dry with a clean towel Please note there is a checklist on the back of this leaflet for you to complete in relation to using creams and washes. Do people always have MRSA? Many people, once they are well or their wound has healed, will no longer have MRSA. For others, MRSA may continue to be present but not require treatment.

8 Name: Checklist for using body wash and nasal ointment Date and time Day Nasal ointment - 8am 3 times a day 2pm 10pm Body wash shower or wash daily Body wash use as hair x x x wash twice a week If you require further information contact: Your local GP surgery NHS Direct: tel: , Infection Prevention and Control Specialists: Pinderfields Hospital: Dewsbury Hospital: We are committed to providing high quality care. If you have a suggestion, comment, complaint or appreciation about the care you have received, or if you need this leaflet in another format please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on: or pals@midyorks.nhs.uk To contact any of our hospitals call: To book or change an appointment call: c Updated Aug 2011 Review Date 2014 SMOKE FREE hospital Design: The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust - design and print dept