Prevention of MRSA

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Prevention of MRSA

MRSA can spread among people who have skin-to-skin contact. It can also be spread among people who share personal items such as razors, soaps, towels, or even weight room equipment or benches. Here are some steps you can take to prevent the spread of MRSA.

Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used on hands that are not visibly dirty.

Keep Wounds Covered

When in public and whenever your skin could touch someone else's, cover your open cuts or wounds with a clean, dry bandage.

Avoid touching the skin of someone with an active MRSA infection. Avoid direct contact with another person's wound, drainage, or bandages unless you are changing bandages, in which case, you should use gloves and wash hands afterward.

Don't Share Everything

Avoid sharing personal hygiene items, such as washcloths, towels, razors, toothbrushes, soap, nail clippers and unwashed clothes or uniforms.

Clean shared athletic equipment before each use. Clean your bedding, clothes, and commonly used surfaces regularly.

More Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MRSA Page

More Information

MRSA: Main Page

MRSA: FAQ

MRSA: Seeking Care

MRSA: Children

MRSA: Athletes

MRSA: Drug Users

MRSA: Gay Men

MRSA: Educators and Administrators