Who You Are:

 67 year old Male

 Married, 3 Grown Children
 Retired Machinist
 Post-Surgical Infection of the Spine
 Active Pre-surgically
 Plays Golf,
 “Putters around the house”
MRSA:

Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus Aureus

An Education for Life

THE INFECTION
 Staphylococcus aureus
 Resistant to certain antibiotics
 The “Superbug”
 Shows up as:
 Skin Infections
 Wound Infections
 Normal Flora for some
 Colonization
Variations

 Community Acquired
 Healthcare Associated
 Colonization
Community Acquired

 Acquired outside of Health Care

 Contagious
 Transmitted by Contact
Healthcare Associated
 Acquired from health care settings
 Contagious
 Transferred by Contact
Colonization
 Skin flora
 Nares
 Groin
 Arm pits
 Periarea
Treatments
 Medications
 Based on Type
 Wound Care
 Ointment to Inner Nose
How it is Spread
 Direct Touch
 Contact with Secretions or Wound
Drainage
 Sharing Personal Care Items
 Razors
 Sports Equipment
 Tow
Preventing the Spread
 In Hospital
 Home
 Public Places
While in the Hospital
 Contact Isolation
 Precautions
 Gloves
 Gowns
 Hand Cleaning
 Leaving Room
 Mask
 Cover Gowns
 Hand Cleaning
At Home
 Take Medication as Instructed
 Finish Medications
 Keep Doctor’s Appointments
 Keep Wound Covered
 Wash Hands Often
Home Management
 Hand Washing
 Cleaning
 Laundry
 Wound Care
Hand Washing
 Wet Hands
 Apply Soap
 Friction for 15-20 Seconds
 Rinse for equal time
 Use Paper Towels
 Turn off faucet with dry paper towel
Environmental Cleaning

 Popular Disinfectants
 High touch surfaces
 Counters, railings, remotes, door handles
 Bleach Solution
 10:1
 24 hours
Laundry
 Wash contaminated or soiled items separately
 Mechanical Drying
 Do I need to:
 Use the hottest water?
 Use Bleach on all items?
 Throw out clothing?
Wound Care
 Clean Hands
 Remove Dressing with Gloves
 Dispose of Dressing in separate trash, in
baggie, or inside gloves
 New Gloves
 Clean as Directed
 Cover with Sterile Dressing
 May Require Assistance
Outside Home
 Hand Cleaning
 Carry Sanitizer
 Minimize use of public restrooms
 Cover Coughs
 Dispose of Tissues
 Do not share personal items
Questions

?
Resources
 CDC Website
 NM Department of Health