How to Prevent MRSA
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Medically reviewed by Jane Kim, MD
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by a type of Staphylococcus (or “staph”) bacteria. Though these bacteria are common, MRSA strains are resistant to antibiotics (namely methicillin), making this infection more difficult to treat. This condition most commonly affects the skin, though the lungs, bloodstream, and surgical sites are also susceptible. Those who live, work, or go to school in close quarters with others or in medical settings are at higher risk of developing a MRSA infection.
Overall, many people are carriers of staph bacteria, meaning they have the bacteria in their body but it's not currently activated. Studies have found this to be the case in up to 33% of people, but only 2-3% are estimated to carry MRSA. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent this infection. Prevention of MRSA infection begins with understanding who is most susceptible and what you can do to minimize your risk.
Who Is Most at Risk?
There are two types of MRSA infection: hospital-acquired (HA) MRSA and community-acquired (CA) MRSA. The former, as the name suggests, is picked up in hospitals, senior homes, or other clinical facilities, most commonly affecting those with weakened immunity. However, people with healthy immune systems can contract CA MRSA, which spreads outside of medical settings, in places like gyms, daycares, and military barracks. As such, these conditions have slightly different risk factors.
HA MRSA Risk Factors
For HA MRSA, those who have weakened immunity or who live or work in clinical settings are at a greater risk. Those most likely to contract this type include:
Those who are hospitalized for a long time
Nursing home or long-term care facility residents
Patients who have had kidney dialysis
Patients of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Those taking immunosuppressant medications, such as Humira (adalimumab), Neoral (cyclosporine), and prednisone, among others
People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS)
Those who have open wounds
Workers in hospital or clinical settings
CA MRSA Risk Factors
CA MRSA varies slightly in that it can also affect those who are in good health. People at higher risk for this type include:
Athletes, especially if sharing towels or razors
Injection drug users
Those who’ve had surgery within the past year
Children who go to daycare
Military members living in barracks
Those who have recently gotten tattoos
Genetics
Though anyone can contract MRSA infection, researchers have found that your genetics may influence susceptibility to this disease. A 2017 study found that those with first-degree relatives—a parent, sibling, or child—who have had MRSA bacteremia (a very severe type of MRSA) are at increased risk. In the research, having two specific genetic variations of chromosome 6 significantly raised the chances of developing this condition.
However, this study was only about one type of MRSA. It's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the connections between your genetics and susceptibility to MRSA infection. There is currently no genetic test that can determine your increased or decreased chances of contracting this condition.
How to Reduce Risk
There currently are no medications or therapies that prevent your contracting a MRSA infection. As such, prevention strategies primarily involve avoiding contact with infected skin or potential carriers of staph bacteria. In addition, prevention may also mean addressing certain lifestyle habits that increase risk.
Handwashing
Since skin-to-skin contact is a common means of transmission, making sure your hands are clean is an important part of MRSA prevention. This is especially important if you work in or have been exposed to a clinical or medical environment, and it's also critical when you change bandages or touch wounds or dirty laundry. The following methods may help prevent MRSA from spreading:
Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water; scrub the hands for at least 20 seconds
Using hand sanitizer
Making sure to wash your hands after being in a hospital or care facility
Wound Care
MRSA can also be spread by touching wounds or bandages or exposing these injured areas to the bacteria. To prevent transmission, steps you can take include:
Keeping any cuts or wounds covered with clean bandages
Carefully following your healthcare provider's instructions regarding wound care
Not touching others’ bandages or wounds
Avoiding picking at sores or popping blisters
Cleaning & Disinfection
Ensuring spaces are kept clean and disinfected is especially relevant to those who live in nursing homes or military barracks, or work in clinical or medical settings. This means ensuring that any medical equipment is either single-use or thoroughly sanitized after use and regularly cleaning surfaces.
Care with Clothing & Hygiene Products
To prevent CA MRSA—the type found outside of clinical environments—care needs to be taken with hygiene products and clothing, as these can spread the infection. This involves:
Not using others’ towels or wearing their clothing
Not sharing cosmetic products like make-up and facial creams
Not sharing razors, soap, combs, brushes, or other personal hygiene products
Safety at the Gym
Since CA MRSA can also spread in gyms and sports complexes, there are several other steps you can take to prevent transmission:
Cleaning off any shared sports equipment with antiseptic wipes
Avoiding shared saunas or pools with people with open wounds
Avoiding shared shower facilities, or making sure they’re clean before using them
Safety with Injection Drugs
Another common cause of CA MRSA spread is the use of injection drugs, such as heroin. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2018 noted that people who used these substances were 16.3 times more likely to contract MRSA.
Avoiding injectable drug use is the safest route. If possible, seek treatment to help you stop. A healthcare provider can connect you with cessation resources if needed. If you continue to use, try to employ safer injection practices, which include:
Use a new needle and other equipment every time you inject
Don't share needles
Use clean surfaces
Use soap or alcohol to clean your hands and the injection area before use
Discuss With Your Healthcare Provider
MRSA is a challenging infection because, by nature, it's resistant to treatment. It's therefore important to be vigilant and safe; make sure you're aware of potential signs of the condition, and don't be afraid to talk to your healthcare provider and seek out care. This is especially the case if you are or have recently been in a hospital or clinical environment, live in a senior home or barracks, or frequently used shared facilities like gyms.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns about developing MRSA and ask for preventive measures you can take. Discuss any major lifestyle or medical changes with them before implementing them. Good communication and careful attention along the way are essential for minimizing the chances you contract this infection.
A Quick Review
MRSA is a difficult-to-treat bacterial infection that can affect the skin, lungs, or bloodstream. This infection often spreads in hospitals, clinical spaces, and nursing homes, with some acquiring it in places like gyms or military barracks. Having weakened immunity or exposure to infected individuals increases risk, as can certain behaviors like using injection drugs or sharing hygiene products. Prevention strategies focus on keeping hands and surfaces clean and avoiding contact with infected skin or wounds, among others.
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