Avoiding MRSA
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There has been recent news reports of MRSA cases in some public schools here in south Florida, and in various cities across the country. As usual, the constant news coverage has made some parents very anxious, almost to the point of panic. Learning more about what MRSA is and how to handle it should be where parents and educators (and the media!) ought to focus their attention.
So what is MRSA and what do those letters stand for? MRSA = Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. A/K/A (also known as), Oxacillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (ORSA), a/k/a Community Acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) and Hospital Acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA).
What all those letters boil down to is a bacterial infection that is hard to treat, because it is resistant to anti-biotics. The infection is usually a result of poor sanitary conditions around those with weakened immune systems or open wounds. Most of us have heard of unfortunate stories about staph infections in hospitals, but when it happens in everyday situations, people tend to become alarmed.
The truth is that staph is a very common bacterium that is present on up to 30 percent of the population and is usually nothing to be concerned about. A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association printed October 17, 2007, estimated that in 2005, there were over 94,000 cases of MRSA in the US, with the majority of them being in the area of health-care (hospitals, etc).
What are the signs of a MRSA infection? They usually show up as a mild infection, maybe resembling boils or pimples, filled with pus. They can become more serious, leading to blood, lung, or urinary tract infections, which can become life-threatening.
If a skin infection is not responding to usual treatment, a doctor should be consulted to confirm exactly what type of infection it is and which antibiotic will cure the infection.
How do you catch MRSA? The easiest way to catch the infection is by skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Poor hygiene can be major contributing factor.
How can you avoid catching MRSA? Practicing good hygiene should be a top priority, along with good old common sense. Here’s a few tips:
Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently (check out our Hand Washing page above the clock!)
Do not share toothbrushes (yuck!), razors, towels or anything else that may transmit bacteria.
Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for times you cannot get to soap and water.
If you have any cuts or scrapes, keep them cleaned and bandaged until healed.
When at the gym, wipe surfaces of equipment before and after using. It is a good idea to place a towel between your skin and the surface of any shared equipment.
Immediately after engaging in contact sports or any activity where there has been close contact with others, wash/shower thoroughly.
Hibiclens Antiseptic Skin Cleanser, 8 oz. Bottle For use as a hand wash and superficial skin wound cleanser, bonds to skin and continues killing germs for up to six hours.
