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December 2007 /January 2008
The Staph Superbug:
Despite Recent Attention, MRSA Can Be Avoided
with Good Hygiene, Common Sense |
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus, otherwise known as MRSA, is
often called a "superbug" - but it's not a
new bug, as some people erroneously
believe.
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| According to the CDC, staph infections
- including MRSA - occur most frequently
among people in hospitals, nursing homes and
other healthcare facilities who have weakened
immune systems. |
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| This photograph shows a cutaneous abscess on
a patient's knee that was caused by an MRSA
infection. |
Instead, it's a form of Staphylococcus
aureus, or "staph," a common kind of
bacteria that can be found on the skin or
mucus membranes of one of every three
people. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria
that is resistant to certain antibiotics.
These include methicillin and other more
common antibiotics such as oxacillin,
penicillin and amoxicillin.
Public health officials say we should be
aware of the bacteria and take it seriously,
but should not be overly concerned;
MRSA is rarely fatal and usually can be
treated successfully by using drugs other
than penicillin-class antibiotics such as
methicillin.
MRSA has received more public attention
lately because of a convergence of recent
events:
- A report from the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
indicating an increased number of MRSArelated
deaths nationwide
- A lack of prior public
understanding that MRSA
has for many decades
been a significant cause
of mortality and morbidity
in hospitals
- An apparent increase
in the number of MRSA
cases now being identified in the
community, outside of the hospital setting.
Studies have shown that people who have used antibiotics are at higher risk of
an MRSA infection.
Scientists note that antibiotics kill
the body's beneficial bacteria and
likely open the door to attack by
more resilient pathogens such as
MRSA.
Most experts believe the spread
of MRSA is caused to a great
extent by the inappropriate use of
antibiotics.
It is important to finish all
doses of antibiotics you
have been given, even if you
feel better before the final
dose. Unfinished doses can
lead to development of drug
resistance in the bacteria.
The bacteria are spread
by contact, either by close
contact between individuals
or from contacting an infected
object or surface such as a
towel in a shower room.
Despite this MRSA's robust
ability to survive in the environment,
public health officials typically
do not advise closing schools
or other facilities after an
outbreak. They simply
recommend that the infected
individuals seek care and
protect against spreading the
bug.
Careful attention to personal hygiene is key to avoiding MRSA infections:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Alcohol-based hand cleaners also work well.
- Do not share personal items such as towels or razors with another person - MRSA can be transmitted through contaminated items.
- Cover all wounds with a clean bandage and avoid contact with other people's soiled bandages.
- If you share sporting equipment, clean it first with antiseptic solution.
It's also important to get a flu shot because MRSA-caused pneumonia can follow the flu. Symptoms of MRSA include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- A warm sensation, tenderness and boils or blisters - sometimes including fever and chills.
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Proper handwashing with soap and water
continues to be recommended by public health
officials as one of the best ways to help avoid the
spread of infectious diseases such as MRSA. |
Those at higher risk for MRSA
include people with chronic
illnesses, recent history of antibiotic
use, recurrent skin diseases or
open wounds and individuals with
compromised immune systems.
Most of the time, MRSA causes
skin and soft-tissue infections that
can be treated with available non
penicillin-class antibiotics. But if not
properly treated - the bug can work
its way into the body and is tough to
get out.
If you suspect that you or a member
of your family has MRSA - or
any other infection - contact your
personal physician without delay. |
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