HEALTH TIPS FROM THE HEALTH OFFICE

 

Due to the media attention involving methicillin-resistant

staphylococcus aureus (or MRSA), I would like to remind

parents, students, faculty and staff of a few guidelines.

 

MRSA is transmitted by DIRECT SKIN TO SKIN

      CONTACT or contact with shared items that have

      come into contact with someone else’s infection.

MRSA are skin infections that may appear as pustules

      or boils which are red, swollen, hard and painful.

      They usually have pus or other drainage. These skin

      infections commonly occur at sites of visible skin

      trauma, such as cuts and abrasions, and areas of the body

      covered by hair.

 

You can protect yourself by:

 

Practicing good hygiene – wash your hands frequently

      using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Showering daily and after participating in exercise or

      sporting events.

Covering skin trauma such as abrasions or cuts with a

      clean dry bandage until healed.

· Avoiding sharing personal items.

Maintaining a clean environment by establishing cleaning

      procedures for frequently touched surfaces and surfaces

      that come into direct contact with people’s skin.

 

Remember: Your skin is your best defense against infection.

For more information about MRSA in schools, visit the CDC’s website

at: www.cdc.gov/features/MRSAinschools/