Display Patient Information Leaflets

Date issued: June 2024

For review: June 2026 

Ref: A-612/AKR/Learning Disability Team/MRSA v2

PDF: MRSA.pdf [pdf] 346KB

What is MRSA?

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a bug found on the skin or in the nose of some people. It can cause infections if it gets into wounds or cuts.

Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) means some antibiotics no longer get rid of the infection.

How did I get MRSA?

We do not always know why a patient has MRSA.

Some people do not know they have it.

You may have a sample taken when you come into hospital to see if you have MRSA.

How is MRSA passed on?

Person to person by the hands or by touching the same thing as someone with MRSA and sometimes the environment.

Who is at risk?

All patients are at risk. Some are more at risk than others.

What does it mean for you and your family?

Visitors will normally be able to visit.

They must follow instructions from the staff.

How can we stop the spread?

We will wash our hands using water and soap or use alcohol gel. We are happy for you to ask if we have washed our hands.

What can you do?

If you have MRSA you may be asked to wash with an anti-bacterial liquid soap/shampoo (body wash).

You may also be given a nasal cream. Follow the instructions on this leaflet.

This treatment needs to start 48 hours before any operation.

Wash your hands with soap and water after going to the toilet and before and after eating.

Do not touch any wounds, or medical devices you have.

If you are nursed in a single room, follow the instructions you are given.

Make sure any prescribed treatment is used or taken.

Please speak to a member of staff if you have any questions.

Going home

You should not need to stay in hospital because of MRSA.

You may need to complete treatment after you have been discharged from hospital.

How to apply the body wash

1. Use body wash daily for 5 days. Use as shampoo on the first day and last day of treatment.

2. Totally wet your hair and body.

3. Pour body wash onto your hands, a clean, wash cloth or directly onto the skin.

4. Start with your hair, face, and work down your body. Make sure you use this everywhere including your armpits, belly button, groin, and your skin between where you poo and pee (between your anus and your genitals).

5. Leave it on your skin for at least 1 minute.

6. Rinse off.

7. Dry with a clean towel.

How to apply the nasal cream

1. Apply a pea sized amount of nasal cream into each nostril 3 times a day for 5 days.

2. Massage upwards.