MRSA does not normally harm healthy people (it can't harm pregnant women, children or babies, providing they're fit and healthy), so if you have an MRSA infection you will still be able to have visitors.

However, some people are more at risk of MRSA. This includes those who:

• have a weakened immune system, such as the elderly, newborn babies, or those with a long-term health condition such as diabetes, cancer or HIV/AIDS,
• have a catheter (a plastic tube inserted into the body to drain fluid),
• have a burn or cut on their skin,
• have a severe skin condition such as leg ulcer, psoriasis or severe eczema, and
• have to take frequent courses of antibiotics.

If you have an MRSA infection and someone who is at increased risk of infection wants to visit you in hospital, you should ask the hospital staff for advice before they visit.

It is essential that all visitors wash their hands thoroughly before and after visiting every patient. Fast-acting, special alcohol rubs or gels are used in most hospitals, with dispensers usually located by patients' beds.