MRSA Protection For You and Your Loved Ones

MRSA, also known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that has been found in the environment. It has been making appearances in the news recently. MRSA has been called a “superbug” because of the large number of MRSA related instances. The CDC estimates there have been roughly 94,000 MRSA infections which resulted in 19,000 deaths. The number of MRSA related deaths out numbers the amount of HIV/AIDS related deaths. Knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick from MRSA is extremely important.

Staphylococcus is a common bacterium, found on the skin. Roughly 30% of people have these bacteria on their skin, which is not harmful unless it enters the body through a cut. Once the bacteria has entered the skin, it can become extremely serious, even fatal. MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that has developed a resistance to standard antibioctics. Due to this resistance, it has gotten the name “superbug”. It is resistant to most commonly given drugs like, methicillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. Early diagnosis is important. If MRSA spreads throughout the body, it can cause MRSA-pneumonia as well as blood and joint infections. Without treatment, it can quickly become fatal.

MRSA is not a new condition, it has a history. The first case reported was in 1968. The biggest difference between then and now is that MRSA is affecting more people outside of hospitals. MRSA used to be seen primarily in people with weakened immune systems, such as in patients who had been hospitalized for long periods of time due to chronic illness, people recovering from surgery, and patients receiving long doses of antibiotics. Over 85% of MRSA cases were found in patients like these in hospitals.

The other 15% of cases which were found outside of hospitals, are now dramatically increasing, People who never used to be at risk of getting MRSA are now getting something known as community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA). This type of staph infection is found in health clubs, schools, and public transportation vehicles. It is most commonly passed through skin to skin contact; athletes who share locker rooms or equipment are at risk, or anyone who comes in contact with an infected wound, can be at risk.

If you come into contact with MRSA you need to contact your doctor immediately. Signs of MRSA are an area of skin that’s red, painful, swollen, and/or filled with pus; also if you have inflamed skin that is also feverish or you feel sick, contact your doctor immediately. If you have an infection, do not try to squeeze out pus, this will only make the infection spread.

The first step in prevention is to wash your hands frequently.  If you have a cut, treat it with a bandage until it is completely healed. You want to avoid being in contact with another person’s wounds. Do not share personal items such as razors or towels. Shower and clean your clothing/personal items after attending the gym.

For more information on prevention or if there is MRSA at a location you visit, call a professional Emergency Service Company such as PuroClean. PuroClean offers a Rapid Defense program that provides up to 3 months of residential protection against MRSA. Let trained professionals from PuroClean help you in preventing MRSA happening to you. PuroClean will clean, sanitize, and then disinfect all surfaces and materials with products that are EPA- registered to be the best products available to fight against MRSA. Call PuroClean who will be happy to provide an evaluation.