How can I get MRSA at home?

How MRSA Can Be Acquired at Home

MRSA can be acquired at home through contact with contaminated surfaces, personal items, or close contact with infected or colonized individuals, even if you work from home. 1

Common Sources of MRSA in Home Settings

Personal Contact

• Close contact with MRSA carriers: Family members, visitors, or others who may be colonized (carrying MRSA without symptoms) or infected 2
• Sharing personal items: Using the same towels, razors, clothing, or athletic equipment as someone with MRSA 1
• Skin-to-skin contact: Direct contact with someone who has a MRSA infection 1

Environmental Sources

• High-touch surfaces: Doorknobs, countertops, bathroom fixtures, and other frequently touched surfaces can harbor MRSA 1
• Personal care items: Contaminated towels, washcloths, razors, and other hygiene products 1
• Pets: Animals can carry MRSA and transmit it to humans 1

Risk Factors That Increase Susceptibility

• Recent antibiotic use: Disrupts normal bacterial flora, creating opportunity for MRSA colonization 2
• Chronic health conditions: Diabetes, chronic skin conditions, or compromised immune system 2
• Previous MRSA infection: Prior infection is the strongest risk factor for developing another MRSA infection 2
• Breaks in the skin: Cuts, scrapes, or other skin injuries provide entry points for bacteria 1

Prevention Strategies for Home Settings

Personal Hygiene

• Hand hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer 1
• Wound care: Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered until healed 1
• Avoid sharing: Don't share personal items like towels, razors, or clothing 1

Environmental Cleaning

• Focus on high-touch surfaces: Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly 1
• Use appropriate cleaners: Standard household cleaners or detergents are effective 1
• Laundry practices: Wash linens and clothing in hot water when possible, especially if used by someone with an infection 1

For Recurrent MRSA Infections

• Decolonization: May include nasal mupirocin ointment for 5-10 days 1
• Body decolonization: Chlorhexidine body washes or dilute bleach baths (1 teaspoon per gallon of water) 1
• Comprehensive approach: Combine decolonization with environmental cleaning and hygiene measures 1

When to Seek Medical Attention

• If you develop skin lesions that are:
  • Red, swollen, painful
  • Containing pus or other drainage
  • Not healing properly
  • Accompanied by fever or other systemic symptoms 1

Important Considerations

• MRSA colonization (carrying the bacteria without symptoms) is common, affecting 20-40% of the general population 2
• You can be colonized with MRSA without knowing it, as carriers often have no symptoms 2
• Environmental contamination can persist for extended periods, making regular cleaning important 1
• Even working from home doesn't eliminate risk, as MRSA can enter your home through various routes including visitors, delivered items, or from previous community exposure 1

Remember that good hygiene practices and awareness are your best defense against acquiring MRSA at home, even if you have limited contact with healthcare settings or the outside community.