Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Issue: May 2024
Review date: May 2026
Leaflet section: Infection Prevention and Management
PDF: Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) [pdf] 204KB
Infection Prevention and Management Team
What is MRSA?
Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a common bacterium that many people carry on their skin, or in their nose without harm.
MRSA stands for Meticillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This means that some antibiotics do not work as well against it.
MRSA does not usually cause problems but can lead to infections if it enters the body through a cut, wound or medical device. It means some antibiotics no longer get rid of the infection.
How did I get MRSA?
It is not always clear how someone gets MRSA.
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Some people carry MRSA without knowing it
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It can be found during routine screening when you come into hospital
How does MRSA spread?
MRSA can spread if good hygiene is not followed.
It spreads:
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From person to person via hands
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By touching contaminated equipment or surfaces
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Occasionally through the surrounding environment
Who is at risk?
Anyone can carry MRSA, but some people are at greater risk of infection, including:
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People with wounds or broken skin
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People with medical devices (such as catheters)
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People who are unwell or in hospital
What can you do to help?
You can help reduce the spread of MRSA by:
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Washing your hands regularly with soap and water:
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After using the toilet
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Before eating or drinking
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Avoid touching wounds or medical devices
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Follow staff advice if you are cared for in a single room
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Using any prescribed treatment correctly
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Asking staff if you are unsure about anything
You may be asked to use:
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An antibacterial body wash and shampoo
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A nasal (nose) ointment
How do we prevent the spread?
We take steps to reduce the risk of MRSA spreading, including:
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Promoting good hand hygiene (soap and water or alcohol gel)
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Encourage appropriate use of antibiotics
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Using protective clothing such as aprons and gloves
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Cleaning the environment regularly
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Screening patients where appropriate
What does this mean for you and your family?
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Visitors are usually allowed but must follow staff advice
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Visitors may be asked to clean their hands
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You should not usually need to stay in hospital longer because of MRSA
When should you seek advice?
Speak to a healthcare professional if:
You develop signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, pain, or fever)
You have concerns about your treatment
How to apply antibacterial bodywash, shampoo and nasal ointment
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Ensure hair and body are totally wet.
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Pour body wash onto your hands or a clean, wash cloth and apply directly onto wet skin.
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Begin with your hair and face and work down your body. Make sure you use this everywhere including your armpits, belly button, groin and perineum.
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Leave it on your skin for at least 1 minute.
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Rinse off
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Dry with a clean towel
How to apply nasal ointment
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Apply a pea sized amount of nasal ointment to each nostril 3 times a day for 5 days.
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Massage onwards
If you are having surgery, please start this treatment 48 hours before your operation.
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
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01752 439694
