How long MRSA lives on surfaces?
It depends on what variables you are considering: host surfaces
(skin, nose, wound) or non-host surfaces (bandages, clothing, bed
linens, other common contact objects such as door knobs, light
switches, commodes, tub, phones, etc.) In a host surface a person
can be a carrier of MRSA (colonized) and not even be aware,
therefore spreading contimination quite unwittingly. Unfortunately,
a carrier can host MRSA indefinately. MRSA can live on non-host
surfaces for days, weeks, months depending on the environmental
circumstances. These circumstances can include what other
interactions the MRSA may be in contact with such as other bacteria
in which that it may compete against / with thus killing MRSA or
cultivating / transfering the bacteria. Most studies suggest / show
that MRSA can live up to 90 days / 3 months. Thusly, this becomes a
never-ending battle. What HAS been subjected may be unnoticed until
days or weeks later thus cycling back the bacteria into a sterile
field. Suggestions: research all of the mechanisms to rid the body,
the home, the hospital etc. of MRSA, start the regiment of cleaning
/ sterilizing, and never stop until one has two "clean" MRSA swabs.
Even then you are not gauranteed that MRSA won't return.