How to Avoid a MRSA Staph Infection

Avoid a MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) staph infection by washing your hands, and being cautious in risky situations. MRSA in an uncomfortable infection for most people, but it can also be a deadly infection for people with a weak immune systems such as seniors, infants and people with other illnesses.

MRSA staph infections can be contracted at hospitals, gyms, locker rooms, nursing homes, dialysis centers or any place where bodily fluids such as sweat, blood and saliva may be on the equipment. Although our skin protects us from many infections, if we have a cut or a wound, an infection can sneak into our body. You can also get MRSA by touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth after having physical contact with someone that is infected.

Wipe off Equipment to Avoid MRSA Staph Infections

If you workout at the gym, you should not touch equipment that has sweat on it from another customer. Wipe down the equipment before using it. Most gyms supply towels and wipes for this purpose. MRSA can only spread if you have a cut or wound on your skin, or other openings such as your mouth and it comes in contact with the skin or sweat of someone that has MRSA. Some people are just carriers of MRSA and are not sick and they do not have any symptoms.

Wash Your Hands Often to Avoid MRSA Staph Infections

Wash your hands often, especially after coming in contact with the skin or bodily fluids of another. Do not touch your face, mouth, nose and eyes unless you wash your hands first. You may have something on your hands that you transfer to areas that can accept an infection.

Wear Flip Flops On Your Feet to Avoid MRSA Staph Infections

If you shower at work, at the gym or other public shower, you should wear flip flops. Flip flops will protect your feet from many diseases including MRSA staph infections. You are more susceptible if you have a cut or injury on your feet.

Avoid Showering at Public Facilities to Avoid MRSA Staph Infections

Whenever possible, go home to shower instead of showering at the gym, your work shower or a public bathroom shower to avoid germs that are found there.

If you have flu like symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, fatigue or a sore that will not go away that you think is a bug bite, see your doctor.

Source:

Mayo Clinic