MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, is a type of bacteria that causes infections in various parts of the body. Due to its resistant nature to antibiotics, MRSA can be especially challenging to treat. Most of the time, someone with a MRSA will show signs of a skin irritation, such as boils or sores. Staph is especially common, but there are things you can do to reduce the risk of developing an MRSA infection.

Here are ten tips you should use to prevent MRSA:

1. Wash your hands

Bacteria can be killed immediately by properly washing your hands. Scrub your hands for approximately fifteen seconds in hot water, then dry with a clean towel or disposable towel.

2. Cover wounds

MRSA can develop on open wounds or cuts very easily. Make sure to clean all wounds and cover with sterile, dry bandages.

3. Do not share personal items

A common way to transfer germs is by sharing personal items. Avoid sharing some of your personal items such as towels, razors, toothbrushes, clothing, and sheets.

4. Shower after athletic events

Locker rooms are breeding grounds for germs to spread. Therefore, athletes should shower immediately after a practice or game and avoid sharing towels, wash clothes, etc.

5. Use gloves

Caregivers are especially prone to develop sickness or infections because they constantly deal with these things. Therefore, a caregiver should use gloves when treating another person’s wounds or changing someone’s bandages.

6. Use a dryer

Unlike air-drying, drying clothes, sheets, and other linens will kill bacteria. Therefore, use the dryer as much as possible and especially if sickness or MRSA is present in the household.

7. Wipe gym equipment

Gyms are notorious for breeding bacteria. Therefore, wipe down the surface of gym equipment before and after you use it. You can also use a towel or clothing as a barrier as well.

8. Wash soiled clothing

If you have blood on your clothing, it needs to be washed immediately. The CDC recommends that bloody clothing be washed in hot water with both soap and bleach if possible.

9. Dispose of personal items after infection

As a precaution, many medical doctors recommend some personal items be thrown away after infection. These items are generally items that cannot be washed such as a razor or toothbrush.

10. Clean household surfaces

Regularly cleaning household surfaces can be an effective way to prevent MRSA. You should wipe down countertops, doors, sinks, toilets, and showers on a weekly basis to kill bacteria before it can spread.
These are ten effective ways to minimize the risk of MRSA from occurring. In general, practicing good hygiene and using common sense will greatly reduce the chance of you developing MRSA. It can still happen, but the chance is much less. As with any illness, if you believe you have an infection – speak to your doctor or physician as soon as possible. Failure to do so can allow the infection to worsen, so make sure you get treatment for MRSA as soon as possible.

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