How long is MRSA contagious?

[Lil Missy]

I have googled and googled and can't find an answer to how long MRSA is still contagious after treatment has started. I have a MRSA infection inside my nose - infection drainage right now and has spread up into my septum. (SORE!) I am being treated now, but I work as a CNA for a client in his home. Employer doesn't want me to work this week, understandably.

Now I'm trying to figure out, approximately, how long I have to miss work?? All I can find is that it is highly contagious and I already know that!

Can anyone shed any light on the length of time I have to stay in my cave? I have weekend plans in mind that I hope not to miss.

Lil Missy

[vanlassie]

1. Did you check the CDC?

[Lil Missy]

2. thanks for the suggestion

I just did, but it doesn't answer my question - how long is it contagious. thanks anyway.

[elleng]

3. Responses, but discussion locked:

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/mrsa-discussions/general-support/151194-how-long-is-the-person-carrying-mrsa-contagious

[Lil Missy]

4. thanks!

[blackcrowflies]

5. you have a doctor, right?

Call the office and ask him.

[sharp_stick]

6. MRSA isn't any more contagious

than a normal staph infection which is not very but if you work in any health care situation (CNA? - nursing assistant?) or with the elderly you need to be a lot more careful because your patients might have poor immune systems.

You should be good to go as soon as your doc clears you. Once you find a medication the bug responds to it will likely take about 10 days or so to get rid of it.

This is a really good site with information on MRSA, excerpted below.

http://mrsa-research-center.bsd.uchicago.edu/patients_families/faq.html



If I have a staph, or MRSA, skin infection, what can I do to prevent others from getting infected?

You can prevent spreading staph or MRSA skin infections to others by following these steps:

Cover your wound.
Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered with clean, dry bandages until healed. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on proper care of the wound. Pus from infected wounds can contain staph, including MRSA, so keeping the infection covered will help prevent the spread to others. Bandages and tape can be discarded in the regular trash.

Clean your hands.
You, your family, and others in close contact should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after changing the bandage or touching the infected wound.

Do not share personal items.
Avoid sharing personal items (such as towels, washcloths, razors, bars of soap, nail clippers, clothing, uniforms, and sheets) that may have had contact with the infected wound or bandage. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes that become soiled with water and laundry detergent. Use a dryer to dry clothes completely.

Talk to your doctor.
Tell any healthcare providers who treat you that you have or had a staph or MRSA skin infection.

[Lil Missy]

7. Thanks. I have a call into the Dr's office also.

[Xipe Totec]

8. The staph wishes you a merry Christmas

[Lil Missy]

9. Thanks. I guess I get an early holiday Break this week.