What can I do to reduce my risk of catching MRSA?

If you are going into hospital, there are a number of simple things you can do to reduce your risk of acquiring MRSA:

• Use a bactericidal soap and shampoo (available from pharmacies) for a few days before you go into hospital (in accordance with soap manufacturers instructions).
• Take your own supplies of handwash and/or hand wipes and always wash or clean your hands after using the toilet and before and after eating
• Wear shoes or slippers when walking around.
• Make sure that staff have washed or cleaned their hands before they touch you. If you are not sure whether they have washed their hands, ask them to do so - there is no need to feel embarrassed about doing this.
• If the area around your hospital bed is dirty, insist that it is cleaned.
• Try not to get too close to other patients. Avoid sharing books, newspapers etc and avoid all contact with other people's wounds or with material contaminated from wounds.