Introduction
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a type of bacteria that is resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. Vancomycin is a powerful antibiotic that is used to treat serious infections. VRE is a growing problem in hospitals around the world, including Australia.
How many Australian hospital emergency departments have been colonized on the waiting room chairs?
A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 2015 found that VRE was present in the waiting room chairs of 17% of Australian hospital’s emergency departments. This means that one in five Australians who visit an emergency department are at risk of being exposed to VRE.
What are the symptoms and implications of VRE?
Many people who are colonized with VRE do not experience any symptoms. However, some people may develop infections, such as:
1. Urinary tract infections
2. Wound infections
3. Blood infections
VRE infections can be difficult to treat because the bacteria are resistant to vancomycin. In some cases, VRE infections can be fatal.
How DinkumDoc Telehealth can help with non-emergency visits to the hospital department
DinkumDoc Telehealth is a convenient and affordable way to see a doctor for non-emergency health matters. DinkumDoc Telehealth doctors can assess your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and provide you with the appropriate treatment, including e-prescriptions, online medical certificates, and specialist referrals.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a VRE infection or if you have been exposed to VRE, you should see a doctor immediately. However, if you are not experiencing any symptoms and you are not sure whether you need to go to the ED, you can book a telehealth appointment with a DinkumDoc Telehealth doctor to get assessed.
Conclusion
VRE is a growing problem in Australian hospital emergency departments. However, there are things you can do to protect yourself, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your face. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a VRE infection or if you have been exposed to VRE, you should see a doctor immediately. However, if you are not experiencing any symptoms and you are not sure whether you need to go to the ED, you can book a telehealth appointment with a DinkumDoc Telehealth doctor to get assessed.