mrsa and newborn babies...

[xPinkAngelx]

if someone is a carrier of mrsa is it safe for newborn babies to be around them without risk of getting the infection? i've tried googling this but cant quite find the answer im after! so hopefully you guys can help until i see my midwife at end of week!

thanks x

[Sqad]

No it is not safe as cross infection with MRSA as with other contact skin infections can occur.

[xPinkAngelx]

would it not only be if for some reason the baby had an open wound he could be at risk catching it from a carrier?

[redcrx]

a newborn baby does have an open wound. Think of the belly button.

i certainly would not risk any contact.

[xPinkAngelx]

i was thinking about their belly button.

well im going to have a fun job of telling my partners parents they cant be in contact with their 1st grandchild when he arrives (as they are both carriers apparently) they will wish they never told me. wish me luck!

[Sqad]

Not so..........redcrx is correct and also the neonate could well then take on the position of being a "carrier" itself.....................just waiting for the next "open wound" on itself or somebody else.

[redcrx]

isnt it something like 1 in 3 of us are carriers at some point?

i dont think that its carried forever, are they being treated for it?

[redcrx]

lol, sqad, "neonate". You can tell youre a doctor lol :) ps, off to GP wednesday with my problem, it seems to be getting worse :(

[xPinkAngelx]

yes, 1 in 3 of us are at some point but wont always know. i think they are - i need to find out. my babies health is my main priority. so need to make sure they keep me informed! think my partners brother has had the infection so he will need to stay well clear until fully treated.

[redcrx]

Im sure they will understand your concerns.

[xPinkAngelx]

possibly - they are not going to like it tho! especially the mother in law!

[redcrx]

well of course they wont want to wait to see their newborn grandchild, what grandparent wouldnt. But arm yourself with the facts and point out that baby's health is priority
send them lots of pics and film in the meantime

[xPinkAngelx]

its quite worrying really, as some people dont even know they are carriers of mrsa, so in fact there could be people who are in contact with you and your baby who are carriers but dont know it - including doctors andd midwives!

[redcrx]

of course, thats the same with many illnesses though is it? I mean, if you knew you were carrying the chicken pox virus youd avoid people? Youll find that out being a parent lol.

You can only avoid something when you know it exists.