Vancomycin resistant enterococcus or VRE for short. Enterococcus is a germ that normally lives in most peoples’ bowels. VRE is the same bacteria, but it is a strain that has developed resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, specifically an antibiotic called Vancomycin.

There are many types of germs that are normally found on our body. These normal germs do not harm us and are needed to keep our body healthy. Sometimes when people get sick, the normal germs can become harmful since the body is weakened from illness. VRE could cause infections in very sick patients.

People who are in or who have been in the hospital can get VRE. It is easily spread by contact with the hands and contaminated environments. Caregivers can unknowingly transmit the germ during routine activities and procedures between patients.

There are very few antibiotics which can be used to treat VRE infections. Therefore it is very important to use prevention strategies to minimize the number of people who become colonized with the organisms, and consequently the number of susceptible patients who may become infected. Infection Control practices and controlled use of antibiotics are approaches used to minimize the prevalence of VRE.

VRE was not reported in U.S. hospitals until 1989. Data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during 2004 showed that VRE caused about 1 of every 3 infections in hospital intensive care units.

Most VRE infections can be treated with antibiotics other than vancomycin. The treatment of VRE is determined by laboratory testing to determine which antibiotics are effective. For persons who get VRE infections and have urinary catheters, removal of the catheter when it is no longer needed can help getting rid of the infection. People who are colonized (bacteria are present, but have no symptoms of an infection) with VRE do not usually need treatment.

VRE is usually passed to others by direct contact with stool, urine or blood containing VRE. It can also be spread indirectly via the hands of healthcare providers or on contaminated environmental surfaces. VRE usually is not spread through casual contact such as touching or hugging. VRE is not spread through the air by coughing or sneezing.

VRE stands for Virtual Real Estate. More specifically, a VRE is an internet business that conducts sales activities through a website.

Enteroccocci are bacteria that are normally present in the human intestines and in the female genital tract and are often found 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). Most VRE infections occur in hospitals.

If you or someone in your household has VRE, the following are some measures to prevent spread of VRE: Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing food. Clean your hands after close contact with persons who have VRE. Wash with soap and water (particularly when visibly soiled) or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. Frequently clean areas of your home such as your bathroom that may become contaminated with VRE.

Enterococci are resistant to many antibiotics. Enterococci that are resistant to vancomycin are referred to as vancomycin-resistant enterococci or VRE.

VRE can live in the human intestines and female genital tract without causing disease. However, sometimes, it can be the cause of urinary track infections, blood stream infections and wound infections.

Persons who have been previously treated with vancomycin and combinations of other antibiotics such as penicillin and gentamicin Persons who are hospitalized, particularly when they receive antibiotic treatment for long periods of time Persons with weakened immune systems such as patients in Intensive Care Units, or in cancer or transplant wards Persons with medical devices that stay in for some time such as urinary catheters or central intravenous catheters.

Precautions are needed to prevent the spread of VRE to other patients. Procedures may vary from one facility to another, but these usually include the following: The VRE-positive patient is placed in a private room. If a private room is not available and appropriate criteria are met, a VRE-positive patient may share a room with another VRE-positive patient. Signs/information are placed on the door of the patient’s room to alert caregivers and visitors about the necessary precautions.

Before the patient leaves the hospital or other health facility, be sure to ask the nurse or doctor about what precautions should be taken at home. You may also contact the local or state health department to find out if they have additional information. Wash hands for 10 to 15 seconds with soap and water after giving care to the patient, removing gloves, handling soiled or contaminated items (e.g., dressings, clothing, bedding, tissues), or skin contact with blood or body fluids.

This document has been prepared for educational purposes by Maxine Armstrong, RN, BASc. Should you have questions regarding individual health concerns or health care practices, please consult your physician or health care provider directly.

The only way to tell if you have VRE is if your doctor orders a sample of your blood, urine or faces to be sent to a laboratory for testing.

Technomad Military PA systems can be installed on any vehicle, ship, or building using the optional wall-mounting brackets. All Technomad Military PA systems include tripods for deployed / field use. [ Back to top ]

Our department gets many calls ranging from safety on campus to emergency messages that need to be delivered to students. The following list has been compiled of the most frequently asked questions of New Paltz family members. Our department gets many calls ranging from safety on campus to emergency messages that need to be delivered to students. The following list has been compiled of the most frequently asked questions of New Paltz family members.

I am the Serial Beggar. I am a professional, Internet-based beggar specializing in the receipt of internationally accepted currencies which are willfully gifted to me. Although, if you offer sincerely, I may accept tangible items too.

Subscribers may exchange tickets at no charge. Non-subscribers may exchange tickets for a $6 per ticket exchange fee. Exchanged tickets must be received by the Ticket Office (by mail or in person) at least 48 hours prior to the performance. You may fax a photocopy of your torn tickets to 734-647-1171. Lost or misplaced tickets cannot be exchanged.

VRE is often resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics. Patients with a VRE infection may need to be cared for by an Infectious Disease Physician so they get the right treatment and antibiotics.

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Influenza is a virus, which causes respiratory tract infections (lungs, throat and nose). There are two types of influenza; influenza A and influenza B. In young, healthy people, influenza is not a serious infection, although people with it may feel miserable for several days. In people over the age of 65 years, and those with chronic heart or lung disease, it causes more severe symptoms and may be complicated by congestive heart failure, pneumonia, or an asthmatic attack.

Influenza is transmitted by droplet spread. When someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, the virus is released into the air and falls on anything within about 4 feet. Anyone close to them can become infected, by breathing in the virus. Depending on the type of material the virus can live on surfaces or objects such as tables, water taps, books or clothing for 8-48 hours.

There are approximately 7 million Canadians who are at increased risk for serious infection or death from influenza. They are all individuals with diabetes, HIV, cancer, renal disease, chronic heart and lung disease, people who are immunosuppressed (including transplant patients).

Influenza vaccine protects healthy people from getting influenza 85-90% of the time. In the elderly and those with chronic illness, influenza vaccine is very effective in preventing death and other serious complications of influenza, but only prevents about half of all disease. Influenza vaccine must be given yearly, and is recommended in Canada for all people 65 years of age and over, all people with chronic illnesses, and household contacts and caregivers of such people.

Yes, we are currently booking new patients for all practitioners at the clinic. Please contact our office to inquire about the next available appointment for new patients.

MSP coverage is no longer available, except for those patients on premium assistance. Please make sure to let our front reception staff know if you qualify for premium assistance.