Hand Washing in the Home

The most important means of preventing the spread of infection, particularly with MRSA or MRSP, is good hygiene. If your pet has been diagnosed with MRSA or MRSP, HAND WASHING IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING you can do to prevent the spread of bacteria. This should be carried out before and after contact with your pet, before and after dealing with the wound, after coming home from work and before going out, in addition to the usual hand washing occasions during the day. Jewellery should be removed prior to handling your pet and prior to hand washing.

Hands should be washed under warm flowing water using soap or an antiseptic solution (according to the manufacturers’ instructions if those are given). Take care to wash all areas of the skin thoroughly including the thumbs, finger tips and the back of your hands. This process should take one to two minutes before thorough rinsing. Hands should then be dried with disposable paper towels or frequently washed hand towels which are not used for other purposes.