[CCHS] Fwd(2): Prevention of skin infections

[Louisa Coleman]

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

	The Massachusetts Department of Public Heath (DPH) has distributed
information regarding community acquired methicillin resistant
staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA).  In the interest of community wellness it
is important you are aware of the following parent information fact sheet. 

http://mass.gov/dph/cdc/antibiotic/mrsa_skin_care.pdf

A few points deserve to be highlighted:

MRSA is an antibiotic resistant organism.  This resistance occurs when
antibiotics are overused or misused.  To prevent further development of
resistant organisms physicians are prescribing antibiotics only when
needed and patients must take them as ordered and, most importantly, to
their completion.  Using a calendar or another reminder system is a basic
strategy to ensure completion of antibiotics.

MRSA is spread via contact, therefore, hand washing, once again, is the
most important habit in preventing the spread of infection.  Reminders are
worth it.  Information on how to wash hands is on the Center for Disease
web site :
http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands/

 Any open wounds must be covered during school or athletic events.

All clothing in the locker rooms must be taken home, at the very least on
Friday's, to be laundered.

The control of infection is a team effort.  Though it begins and ends with
each individuals effort, the Health Office, Building Service workers, and
Athletic Department each have unique roles to play with support by faculty
and other staff.. 

 The information for schools on the DPH web site is copied below:

	• Regular handwashing is the best way to prevent getting and spreading
staph/MRSA. Encourage and practice [
http://www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/handwashing/hw.htm#health ]hand hygiene. 
 
        • Practice and encourage good skin care. Since staph infections
start when staph enter the body through a break in the skin, keeping skin
healthy and intact is an important preventative measure.

       •	 Ensure access to sinks, soaps, and clean towels. 
 
•	 Ensure the availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if soap and
water are not accessible. 
 
•	 Encourage daily showers with soap and water. 
 
•	 Discourage sharing of personal items such as towels, razors, and
toothbrushes. 
 
•	 Regularly clean sinks, showers, and toilets by saturating with
disinfectant. 
 
•	 Disinfect athletic equipment between users. 
 
•	 Launder sheets, towels, sports uniforms, and underclothing with hot
water and detergent, and dry on the hottest setting. 
 
•	 Wear gloves when handling dirty laundry. 
 
•	 Wear gloves when caring for another persons wounds, and protect
clothing from touching wounds or bandages. 
 
•	 Encourage those infected to always keep draining lesions covered with
dressings. 
 
•	 Dispose of dressings containing pus and blood carefully. 
 
•	 Disinfect contaminated portable equipment such as stethoscopes,
blood-pressure cuffs, equipment handles, tourniquets, pagers, and cell
phones.

As you can see the students also have a HUGE role to play.  We are hard at
work to prevent infection here at CCHS.  The good news is that the time
honored and proven techniques of infection prevention work and this is a 
great opportunity to revisit the guidelines and reaffirm our commitment to
hygiene and cleanliness.  The home-school connection will strengthen our
illness prevention efforts.  Thank you for your interest, help and
participation.

Please call me with any concerns, questions, or suggestions.  On another
note, flu season is here so consider vaccination.  The DPH reports that
"more influenza vaccine is available this year then ever before".  "It is
recommended for everyone that wants to avoid getting ill with the flu."
The flu web site is comprehensive and includes a link to flu vaccine
clinics. Cough and sneeze hygiene is as important as hand hygiene.    

http://www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/flu/flu1.htm

Stay well.  

Christine V. DeBruzzi RN, MSN, NCSN
Concord-Carlisle Regional High School
500 Walden Street
Concord, MA.  01742

Phone 978-341-2490 x7158
Fax  978-318-1413