How do hospital patients spread MRSA?

Answer 1

they don't health care workers not washing their hands or gloving properly is the normal way of spreading it, but an infected individual touching an unefected person can spread it to others or make them a carrier if they don't become infected themselves MRSA is "methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus." It is an infection caused by a bacteria that is resistant to most antibiotics. It spreads easily in hospitals, because typically those that are in the hospital are already sick, or perhaps they have recently had an operation. Their immune systems are not as strong as they might usually be. There are strict guidelines in hospitals that the staff must wash their hands upon entering and as they leave the room, and/or use the pump "hand sanitizer" product by the door. If you watch, you will see that some people are more careful about doing this than others. So if a nurse, or a family member, for instance enters the room of someone with MRSA, shakes their hand, pats them on the back, takes their tissue and puts it in the trash for them, etc., then leaves the room without washing or sanitizing their hands, THEN goes into the elevator and presses a control button, or holds onto the railing at the back of the elevator, they leave germs there. Then another family enters the elevator at the lobby, to go back up to the patient rooms, etc. Germs are spread. A good rule of thumb is to not touch anything that you don't have to, when in the hospital. Don't rub your nose, or your eyes, and keep your hands away from your mouth. Wash your hands well, and frequently. My father had it after surgery on his spine for cancer. The wound got infected and would not heal. He had to have very strong antibiotics (Vancomycin) by IV while in the hospital, then daily for a while after going home. It was very difficult for that wound to heal.