Protect yourself from community acquired methicillin staph aureus

CA-MRSA Can you protect yourself?

Because MRSA is spread by contact with someone’s infection, there are several things you can do to protect yourself and your family.  Be aware of the potential infection.  We never know when a person who has CA-MRSA has touched something and the germs can survive for hours, maybe days. 

Wash your hands often throughout the day with soap and water.  Dry your hands with disposable towels  and use disposable towels to turn off the water.  Keep alcohol-based antiseptic available for times when hand washing isn’t possible. 

Do not share personal items such as towels, razors, yoga mats, swim suits, bar soap, etc.  The germs can be spread passed around in items and equipment which is shared.  If you know a person has an infection, wash your hands but especially after helping with wound care or touching used bandages.  (Wear gloves to protect your hands if possible and then wash your hands after you remove the gloves.)

At the gym, use the spray disinfectant/disinfectant wipes to wipe down equipment before you use it (to protect you) and afterwards (to protect others).  Sit on a towel or wear long exercise pants to protect your skin from germs.  Use a towel to protect yourself from mats (yoga) or better yet, buy your own yoga mat and do not share it.  Ask your gym staff if the gym towels are dried at a temperature which kill MRSA germs.  Good suggestions from My Best Health Portal.  http://www.mybesthealthportal.net/health-and-medicine/hot-topics/how-to-protect-yourself-from-community-associated-contagious-staph.html