Download VRE: Information for Hospital Patient Contacts

VRE: Information for
Hospital Patient Contacts
Infection Control Department, South West Nova District Health Authority
Yarmouth Regional Hospital
742-3541 ext 500
Digby General Hospital
245-2501ext 222
Roseway Hospital
875-3011ext 252
What is an Antibiotic Resistant Germ?
Antibiotics are medicines that are used to kill the germ (bacteria) causing the
infection. An antibiotic germ is not killed by the usual antibiotics. If an antibiotic
resistant germ causes an infection, then a stronger drug must be used.
What is enterococcus?
Enterococcus is a bacteria that lives in most people’s bowels. This is normal and
called colonization. It does not normally cause a problem. Enterococcus,
however, can cause infections, usually in people who are really sick.
What is VRE?
Vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE) is a type of enterococus that has
developed resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, especially an antibiotic
called vancomycin.
VRE has been found in the community and the hospital setting on persons and
their surroundings. It is mainly spread by contact with unwashed hands or gloves.
Why should I be tested for VRE?
You may have been in contact with someone who carries this germ. VRE does
not always cause infection if you acquire or “pick it up”. It is still recommended,
however, that you be tested.
It is important for health care workers to know if you are positive. This will remind
them to take special precautions to prevent the spread of the germ to other
patients in the hospital in the event that you are admitted to hospital again.
How do I get tested?
The test for VRE is a simple procedure. A swab will be taken from your rectum
with a Q-tip like swab stick.
The swab will be sent to the lab for testing. A second set of swabs should be
taken at least 24 hours after the first.
Results will take about one week to be completed.
If you have more questions please do not hesitate to contact the hospital
Infection Control Department, your Nurse, Doctor, or local Public Health Office.
What if my test shows that I have VRE?
If your test shows that you have VRE, it does not mean that you actually have an
infection. VRE is no more dangerous than other normal bacteria that people carry
on their skin and are exposed to every day.
The concern is that we do not want the bacteria passed on to other patients in
the hospital since they are already ill.
If your test is positive, special precautions will be taken while you are in the
hospital.
Hospital patients are more likely to become ill with VRE.
Remember:
Washing your hands is the best way to stop the spread of infection in
hospitals.
How to properly wash your hands:
Wet hands
Add one pump of liquid soap
Lather, covering all surfaces of your hands, for 15 seconds. This is the same
amount of time it takes to sing the ABC’s
Rinse hands
Dry hands with paper towel
Turn off faucet with paper towel. DO not touch dirty taps with your clean hands.
Waterless hand sanitizer is another great way to “wash” your hands. Ask your
nurse for more information.
Brochure revised February 2004