The truth about methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may surprise you. MRSA is a type of bacteria that causes skin and other kinds of infections. Sometimes called “the superbug,” MRSA is resistant to certain antibiotics, but several antibiotics still work. And many times, antibiotics aren’t even needed -- doctors are often able to treat MRSA skin infections by simply draining them.
Because skin infections caused by MRSA are increasing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a new campaign to educate families about MRSA. Although most of these skin infections are mild, some infections may become life-threatening. There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from MRSA skin infections.
Step 1: Know the signs and symptoms of MRSA and get treatment early
A staph skin infection, including one caused by MRSA, usually appears as a bump or infected area on the skin that may be red, swollen, painful, warm to the touch or full of pus or other drainage. It is especially important to contact your health care provider if these signs and symptoms are accompanied by a fever.
Step 2: Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered
Keeping cuts and scrapes covered will help prevent spreading bacteria to others. If you think the area is infected, contact your healthcare provider and follow their instructions about proper care of the infection. Be sure to discard used bandages in the trash.
Step3: Encourage good hygiene such as cleaning hands regularly
Bacteria and other germs are often spread from person to person by direct contact – mostly by our hands. Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, especially after changing a bandage or touching infected skin.
Step 4: Disinfect, Disinfect, Disinfect…
Maintain an ongoing protocol of disinfection with a product such as “RX 44 ACE” that has the MRSA claim, among many others. Diluting 2 oz. per gallon of “RX 44 ACE” and applying it to floors, walls and other surfaces will help eradicate this superbug. A Ready-to Use disinfectant such as “RX-75” allows quick and easy spray and wipe on sinks, tubs, desk and tables, as well as “touch points”: light switches, door handles, wheels on carts, mop buckets and other equipment that travels throughout the facility. Always read technical data on these products to know the kill claims offered by the disinfectant and the dwell time necessary, usually found on the efficacy sheets.
Step 4: Discourage sharing of personal items such as towels and razors
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, or clothing that may have had contact with infected skin or soiled bandages. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes with water and laundry detergent. Water temperatures for household laundry depend on the type of fiber or fabric of the clothing. In general, wash and dry in the warmest temperatures recommended on the clothing label. Use a clothes dryer to dry clothes completely.
Click Here forv RX-44 ACE Tech Sheet
Click Here for RX-75 Tech Sheet Click Here for RX-75 Efficacy Sheet
Are you an industrial/commercial/medical facility? Would you like to receive a sample of these products? Please e-mail your request to: barry@chemexindustries.com
