Vancomycin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infection

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Vancomycin resistant staphylococcus (staf-i-lo-KOK-us) aureus (VRSA) infection is a condition caused by bacteria (germs). This infection occurs when bacteria, called Staphylococcus aureus or Staph, becomes resistant (not killed) to the antibiotic medicine vancomycin. With VRSA infection, the wrong or frequent use of vancomycin causes the Staph bacteria to become resistant. This makes vancomycin no longer effective, and other antibiotics have to be used in treatment. VRSA may cause severe infections in the body. These may include infections of the skin, blood, lungs, heart, and brain.
  
  
• Common signs and symptoms of VRSA infection include high fever, body weakness, cough, or troubled breathing. You may also have pus coming from an infected wound or tube. VRSA infection can be diagnosed by doing cultures of wound discharge (pus) or secretions (mucus) from the nose. Cultures may also be done by using your blood, urine, or sputum (spit). Treatment may include antibiotic medicines, incision and drainage, and surgery. It is important to follow good personal hygiene like frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of VRSA infection. With proper treatment, you have a greater chance of having a full recovery. As your caregiver for information on these tests and treatments.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Avoid spreading germs: You can decrease your chance of getting lung infections and other illnesses by doing the following:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Carry germ-killing hand lotion or gel with you when you leave the house. You can use the lotion or gel to clean your hands when there is no water available.
  
  
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth unless you have washed your hands first.
  
  
• Always cover your mouth when you cough. It is best to cough into a tissue or your shirtsleeve, rather than into your hand. People around you should also cover their mouths when they cough.
  
  
• Try to avoid people who have a cold or the flu. If you are sick, stay away from others as much as possible.

Preventing the spread of VRSA infection:

• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or materials contaminated from wounds. Clean and cover boils or other wound infections with clean, dry bandages until they are healed. Place used bandages in a sealed plastic bag when throwing them away.
  
  
• Avoid sharing eating or drinking utensils, towels, or other personal items.
  
  
• Limit the use of antibiotics. Ask your caregiver for more information about the proper use of antibiotics.
  
  
• Place contaminated laundry in a plastic bag and use hot water and detergents (soap) when washing them. Dry them in a clothes dryer on the hot setting.
  
  
• Use alcohol or chlorine-based disinfectants (germ killers) when cleaning surfaces. Wear gloves, a mask, or a gown to protect yourself.
  
  
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water. Always wash after using the toilet, after changing a child's diaper, and before preparing or serving food. Germ-killing hand lotion or gel may be used to clean hands if there is no water available.

Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have chills or a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the infected area.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your infection, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel so dizzy that you have trouble standing up.
  
  
• You have a fast heartbeat or chest pains.
  
  
• You have problems eating, drinking, or breathing.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your lips and fingernails are turning blue in color.
  
  
• Your symptoms do not improve or are getting worse.
  
  
• Your wound has pus coming out or a bad smell.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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