What causes a VRSA infection?
You may become sick if you had close physical contact with a person infected with VRSA. The Staph bacteria may be found in their mouth, nose, wound, intravenous (IV) lines, or catheter tubes. Infected people who do not wash their hands may spread the bacteria. This may happen when you touch their contaminated (dirty) hands or wound, or an object they recently held. The germ may enter the body through the mouth or nose, or through an opening in the skin. VRSA may also be found on the surfaces of bed rails, floors, medical instruments, and toilet handles. What increases my risk of getting a VRSA infection? The following factors may increase your risk of getting a VRSA infection: • Antibiotics: Taking strong antibiotics the wrong way may cause the bacteria to develop resistance to the antibiotics. These may include prolonged or frequent use of vancomycin antibiotics. • Hospital stay: Having surgery, or being in the ICU. Staying in the hospital too long or sharing a room with a VRSA infect
