Swine flu could lead to rise in MRSA infections

Health experts have warned that the suspected increase of people suffering from swine flu entering hospitals could result in a rise of MRSA cross infection cases. Hospitals are even being advised to discharge MRSA patients early in an attempt to decrease the possibility of cross infection.

Research carried out by the Department of Health has shown that when the occupancy of hospital beds exceeds 90% the rate of MRSA infections can increase by 40%.

Katherine Murphy of The Patients Association, who co-signed the letter to the nation’s hospitals outlining the potential problem, said: “There is a real risk that swine flu patients may block isolation beds resulting in patients with healthcare infections such as MRSA being treated on general wards.”*

The Biomaster range of silver based antimicrobial additives has been proven to stop the growth of MRSA and other hospital acquired infections (HAI’s) by over 99.99%. Biomaster can be added to any plastic, paper, textile or paint healthcare application and could assist a hospitals overall cross infection control planning.

*Please note that Addmaster was acquired by the Polygiene Group AB in January 2021, so all news articles prior to that date will still be branded as Addmaster.