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Suggest Precautionary Measures To Avoid Contracting MRSA Infection
Question: My mother was just diagnosed with MRSA - in a hospital with pnuemonia after a surgical procedure - 82 years old and weakened immune system. We didn't know that's what she had (MRSA) until today. I spent two days there with her - handling things she touched in between coughing sessions to give them to her, etc. Does that mean I have a high likelihood of getting MRSA? I'm 58 and in decent health, though my immune system isn't the best. Are there any precautions I should take for myself and my family? Should I go to work tomorrow? Should I get any kinds of tests?
Brief Answer:
No likelihood of MRSA infection is not so high.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
It is unlikely that in just 2 days you can get MRSA infection but yes there is certainly a risk. The best way to prevent such infection is hand washing with chlorhexidine wash frequently. Caregivers to MRSA patients usually can avoid getting infected by good hygiene. Disposable gloves should be used when changing dressings or when one is likely to contact body fluids, including saliva. You must do your normal routine work and attend office. You can get a work up done for MRSA as they usually colonize nasal area. So if you have suspicion then get nasal swab screening done for MRSA. If you are not immunocompromized then chances of infection is less but you can develop carrier state. If test come positive or you develop any symptoms then visit your health care provider for evaluation and investigations.
Take care
Hope I answered your query
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer
A review will be appreciated
Dr Sheetal Verma
No likelihood of MRSA infection is not so high.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
It is unlikely that in just 2 days you can get MRSA infection but yes there is certainly a risk. The best way to prevent such infection is hand washing with chlorhexidine wash frequently. Caregivers to MRSA patients usually can avoid getting infected by good hygiene. Disposable gloves should be used when changing dressings or when one is likely to contact body fluids, including saliva. You must do your normal routine work and attend office. You can get a work up done for MRSA as they usually colonize nasal area. So if you have suspicion then get nasal swab screening done for MRSA. If you are not immunocompromized then chances of infection is less but you can develop carrier state. If test come positive or you develop any symptoms then visit your health care provider for evaluation and investigations.
Take care
Hope I answered your query
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer
A review will be appreciated
Dr Sheetal Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your assistance.
I now know to be very careful if I'm around my Mother again, but I used no precautions when I spent the two days with her. Can you tell me what symptoms I should watch for in myself? How long after possible exposure should I get a nasal swab test? Is anyone at risk who lives or works in close proximity to me? If so, how soon after my exposure could I possibly infect someone? I'm especially concerned about my husband, who is 80, although in good health.
I now know to be very careful if I'm around my Mother again, but I used no precautions when I spent the two days with her. Can you tell me what symptoms I should watch for in myself? How long after possible exposure should I get a nasal swab test? Is anyone at risk who lives or works in close proximity to me? If so, how soon after my exposure could I possibly infect someone? I'm especially concerned about my husband, who is 80, although in good health.
Brief Answer:
Take a test after 15 days.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Nothing to worry about so much. You can take a test after 15 days. Most common symptoms are cough or boils. People who are most susceptible to infection are the chronically ill and newborns. Most of healthy people are chronic carriers. So if found positive by nasal swab screening then take treatment otherwise nothing required. Just practice precautions while handling your mother and take care of her. You can spread to others if you have active disease or chronic carriers without treatment.
Take care
Take a test after 15 days.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Nothing to worry about so much. You can take a test after 15 days. Most common symptoms are cough or boils. People who are most susceptible to infection are the chronically ill and newborns. Most of healthy people are chronic carriers. So if found positive by nasal swab screening then take treatment otherwise nothing required. Just practice precautions while handling your mother and take care of her. You can spread to others if you have active disease or chronic carriers without treatment.
Take care
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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