Swine Flu Could Increase MRSA Infections

As hospitals face an even tougher winter than usual managing the rise in demand for beds alongside the second wave of swine flu, a group of doctors, scientists and patient representatives has called for the early discharge of appropriate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus patients to prevent a rise in MRSA infection rates. Experts are urging hospitals not to let increasing pressure on staff and rising bed occupancy rates reverse the good work they have done to date to reduce MRSA rates. Research has shown that when a hospital's bed occupancy rate exceeds 90%, MRSA rates can be as much as 40% above average.