Health News
MRSA Update
by Janice Doolin, RN
October 22, 2007
Due to recent concerns in the media concerning MRSA infections, Putnam County R1 School District is becoming proactive. The custodial staff will be placing new medicated soaps and antibacterial gel in strategic locations around the school, such as water fountains, commons and eating areas.
All students will be instructed about good hand washing procedures and proper times to wash hands.
We have been in contact with the medical community and are striving to keep our school as germ free as possible. Good hand washing will also alleviate many cases of influenza and common colds.
The practice of the covering of any wounds thought to be infectious will continue, and students with elevated temperature will be sent home.
If you have a student participating in sports, pay close attention to areas where straps might cause abrasions or chafing. Also, all equipment should be cleaned at least weekly.
It is our goal to have a safe, healthy environment in which our students learn.
MRSA what is it and how safe are we?
Staphylococci or “staph” bacteria commonly live on the skin and in the nose. Usually, staph bacteria don’t cause any harm. However, if they get inside the body they can cause an infection. When common antibiotics don’t kill the staph bacteria, it means the bacteria have become resistant to those antibiotics. This type of staph is called MRSA (Methicillin-Resisitant Staphylococcus Aureus).
What does MRSA look like?
Most often, MRSA causes infections on the skin. These infections may look like any one of the following:
1. Large, red , painful bumps under the skin (called boils or abscesses);
2. A cut that is swollen, hot and filled with pus;
3. Blisters filled with pus (called impetigo); or
4. Sores that look and feel like spider bites (however, MRSA is not caused by a spider
bite or any other insect bite).
If I become infected, what can I do to prevent spreading my infection to others?
1. Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
2. Take a bath or shower often, be sure to use soap to clean your body while showering or bathing;
3. Wash your sheets and towels at least weekly;
4. Change your clothing daily and wash them before wearing again;
5. Do not share towels, wash cloths, razors, or other personal items;
6. If you get a cut or scrape on your skin, clean it with soap and water and then cover it with a bandage;
7. Do not touch sore; if you do touch a sore, clean your hands right away;
8. Cover any infected sores with a bandage, and clean hands right away after putting on a bandage;
9. Wear clothing that covers your bandages and sores, if possible;
10. Clean frequently used areas of your home (bathrooms, countertops, etc.) daily with a household cleanser;
11. Do not participate in contact sports until your sores have healed; and
12. Do not go to a public gym, sauna, hot tub or pool until sore have healed.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Janice Doolin RN School Nurse
Health News
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