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VHA MRSA Prevention Initiative
Improving Safety and Protecting Veterans

You Can Help US in the FIGHT against MRSA!

When you go home...

Not all precautions taken in the hospital are necessary at home.  If someone in your home has MRSA or if you are a veteran discharged home with MRSA, please follow these basic hygiene measures:

  • Continue to use good hand washing throughout the day.  Ask your visitors to do the same.  Wash with soap and water for at least 15 seconds each time.
  • Let anyone caring for you know that you are a MRSA carrier.  This includes home health providers, nurses, therapists, and rescue squads.  Caregivers should be certain to wear gloves when attending to open wounds.
  • Do not share towels, washcloths, razors, clothing or other personal items.
  • No special cleaning is necessary.  Laundry and dishes can be done as usual.  Just be sure to use a cleaning agent or detergent with HOT water.
  • Remember that MRSA will not usually harm healthy people.  However, they can be carriers and help spread the bacteria to other people.
  • Any concerns or questions about MRSA should be discussed with your doctor or nurse, MRSA Program Coordinator, or the Infection Control Department.  You can also print the MRSA Patient Brochures for easy reference.

Cover of MRSA brochure, What to do when you have MRSA: In the Hospital and at Home, Infection Prevention: It's in your handsIf you or someone you care for has MRSA, you can download and print the following brochure for more information.
Click here to view. (PDF File)


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