Vancomycin is a specific type of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. However, as of October 2010, all VISA and VRSA isolates have been susceptible to other Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs. Persons who develop this type of staph infection may have underlying health conditions (such as diabetes and kidney disease), tubes going into their bodies (such as catheters), previous infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and recent exposure to vancomycin and other antimicrobial agents. Are VISA and VRSA infections treatable? Yes. As of October 2010, all VISA and VRSA isolates have been susceptible to several Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs.

How is a VISA infection treated?

Antibiotic medicines are used to treat VISA infection. These may include adding other antibiotics to kill VISA. If you have any infected tubes, your caregivers may need to remove or replace them. You may also need any of the following:

• Incision and drainage Caregivers may drain the fluid or pus that has collected in the infected area.
• Surgery: A surgery may also be done depending on where and how bad your infection is. This may be more likely if you have metal implants in your body. You may also need surgery if the antibiotics are not working. Ask your caregiver for more information about having surgery for treating VISA infection.

Four best natural antibiotics:

Garlic: Cultures across the world have long recognized garlic for its preventive and curative powers. Research has found that garlic can be an effective treatment against many forms of bacteria, including Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Garlic has even been considered for use against multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

Honey: Since the time of Aristotle, honey has been used as an ointment that helps wounds to heal and prevents or draws out infection. Healthcare professionals today have found it helpful in treating chronic wounds, burns, ulcers, bedsores, and skin grafts. The antibacterial effects of honey are usually attributed to its hydrogen peroxide content. However, manuka honey fights off bacteria, though it has a lower hydrogen peroxide content. Antibacterial properties aside, honey may help wounds to heal by providing a protective coating that fosters a moist environment.

Ginger: The scientific community also recognizes ginger as a natural antibiotic. Several studies, including one published in 2017, have demonstrated ginger’s ability to fight many strains of bacteria. Researchers are also exploring ginger’s power to combat seasickness and nausea and to lower blood sugar levels.

Echinacea: Echinacea has been used to treat infections for many years. Native Americans and other traditional healers have used echinacea for hundreds of years to treat infections and wounds. Echinacea may also fight inflammation associated with a bacterial infection.

How can a VISA infection be prevented?

• Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or materials contaminated from wounds. Clean and cover boils or other wound infections with clean, dry bandages until they are healed. Place used bandages in a sealed plastic bag when throwing them away.
• Avoid sharing eating or drinking utensils, towels, or other personal items.
• Limit the use of antibiotics. Ask your caregiver for more information about the proper use of antibiotics.
• Place contaminated laundry in a plastic bag and use hot water and detergents (soap) when washing them. Dry them in a clothes dryer on the hot setting.
• Use alcohol or chlorine-based disinfectants (germ killers) when cleaning surfaces. Wear gloves, a mask, or a gown to protect yourself.
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water. Always wash after using the toilet, after changing a child’s diaper, and before preparing or serving food. Germ-killing hand lotion or gel may be used to clean hands if there is no water available.