V - Vancomycin (the name of an antibiotic)
R - Resistant (antibiotic does not work)
E – Enterococci (a type of bacteria)
What is VRE?
Enterococci are a type of bacteria normally present in the human intestine and in the environment. These bacteria can sometimes cause infections. Vancomycin is an antibiotic that is often used to treat infections caused by enterococci. In some instances, enterococci have become resistant to this drug and thus are called Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE).
How is the spread of VRE controlled?
VRE is spread from one person to another through direct contact. Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent VRE. Alcohol-based hand rub is the preferred method for decontaminating hands in health care settings and should be used before entering and upon leaving any patient room. To stop the possible spread of this bacterium, all care givers are required to wear gowns and gloves when providing care or when in direct contact with the patient.
VRE can be present on the caregiver's hands either from touching contaminated material excreted by an infected person or from touching articles soiled by feces. VRE can survive on hands and can survive for weeks on inanimate objects such as toilet seats, taps, door handles, bedrails, furniture and bedpans. VRE is easy to kill with the proper use of disinfectants and good hand hygiene.
Can patients attend hospital activities?
Yes, patients can attend hospital activities. However, it is important they perform hand hygiene, wear clean clothes and cover any wounds.
Can patients have visitors?
Yes, patients with VRE are encouraged to continue seeing their visitors. All visitors must perform hand hygiene before entering and upon exiting the patient’s room. They are obliged to wear gloves and a gown when assisting with or when providing personal care. Before leaving the hospital, visitors should perform hand hygiene using the alcohol-based hand rub.
What about at home?
VRE should not prevent patients from going home and special precautions are not required. Good hand hygiene is the only requirement.
Can the bacteria go away?
Over time, normal bowel organisms may take the place of VRE; however, it may come back as soon as antibiotics are used.
What is the rate and count of VRE at Bridgepoint?
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