MRSA Staph Infections Can Be Spread in a Hospital Setting

MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection, is a staph infection that has become immune to antibiotics and is hard to treat. Risk factors for this type of debilitating infection are being hospitalized, having an invasive medical device, and residing in a long-term care facility.MRSA is a big concern for hospitals because it can get into the systems of the weakest individuals: the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Having medical tubing is another huge risk factor for MRSA. An intravenous line or a urinary catheter provides the perfect pathway for MRSA to enter one's body. Nursing homes are rife with MRSA. Believe it or not, carriers of the disease can infect you, even if the carrier him- or herself is not showing signs of MRSA.You can get MRSA at a dialysis center, too, because there are carriers who bring it while the innocent victims are quietly getting blood transfusions. This is known as "health-care-associated" MRSA, or HA-MRSA. If you are getting an invasive procedure, you stand the risk of getting this type of infection. Invasive can mean surgery, intravenous tubing, or artificial joints.

Symptoms of MRSA Staph Infection

The symptoms of MRSA are the appearance of small red bumps on the skin that look like pimples, boils, blisters, or spider bites. These can quickly turn into deep abscesses that need a surgical procedure to drain them. Often, the bacteria remain on the skin; however, it can also enter into the body and cause life-threatening infections to bones, joints, surgical wounds, the bloodstream, heart valves, and lungs.If you have suffered MRSA it could be due to hospital negligence. Did every medical professional who entered your room wash their hands before touching you? If not, that may be how the infection spreads. Forewarned is forearmed, so insist that the medical staff wash their hands thoroughly before administering care.If you have suffered through MRSA you know how debilitating it can be. Have you thought about taking the hospital to court and holding them accountable for their actions? You may want to look into this. We invite you to contact our law firm by calling 212-869-3500 to discuss your situation and explore your options. We serve injury victims in New York and the surrounding areas.Data Source: Mayo Clinic, "MRSA infection," accessed Aug. 28, 2015