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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