Understanding and Preventing MRSA

Do you or a loved one have a boil that just won’t go away? Is it red, have pus and painful upon touch? You might just have a community associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). This is a form of staph infection, as the name implies, that is resistant to certain main line antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin. MRSA started off as a hospital acquired bacterial infection but has now developed into another form called community acquired MRSA. There are some differences in the hospital type verses the community type but both forms need to be treated to stop serious and sometimes life threatening conditions.

The U.S. health care system estimates that about 12 million doctor visits occur each year due to this form of bacterial infection. It also reports that MRSA’s estimated cost for treating this resistant bacterium is between 21-34 billion dollars. Of course, this figure includes hospitalizations and long-term problems associated with MRSA both hospital and community types. The first documented case of MRSA in a community was noted on a wrestling team in 1993. The incidence of MRSA has been rising over the past years and its incidence is reportable in certain states. Some studies have reported that the community associated MRSA is more virulent than the hospital acquired version.  

MRSA infections on the skin usually are described as an infected pimple or insect bite. This inflamed, swollen area can be painful and have pus. The problem is that it will not go away and it can get larger. A normal abrasion will go away in a few days but an MRSA problem will remain and worsen. A medical professional will be needed to assess the problem and prescribe an antibiotic. Never puncture or drain the wound yourself because it will make the situation worse. There are cases, in which, hospitalization may be required for surgical draining and intravenous antibiotic treatment. As always with an antibiotic, one must complete the entire dose of the prescribed medication.

These bacteria have affected even professional sporting teams, which brings us to the question, “How safe are you and your children from MRSA?” The answer is safer if you adhere to the guidelines set forth by the _Infectious Disease Society of America_ (IDSA). The most common transmission of MRSA is via personal contact such as skin to skin.  Using personal items that have been infected with the MRSA bacteria is yet another way of transmission. Think about all the sporting activity equipment, shared towels (especially in children) and locker rooms you and your children use. This means that prevention should be focused on cleanliness.

Here are some ways to keep you MRSA safe:

• Proper hand washing. Make sure you use plenty of soap, water and friction to slide those germs off your skin.
• Use antibacterial soap.
• Open wounds and abrasions should be covered to prevent that open area from being a portal of entry for germs. If one has an MRSA wound, covering it securely and properly disposing of the bandage is very important.
• Do not share personal items like razors, towels and clothing.
• Clean equipment with bleach or bleach containing cleaners to kill MRSA on contact. Equipment can mean training tables, work out mats, toys and sleep mats in daycare, whirlpools, and gym equipment.
• Educate day care personnel, coaches, players and students about MRSA and the preventive strategies to avoid its transmission.
• If you have an MRSA wound, you must be on antibiotics before you can play your sport again. The wound will have to be securely bandaged; in order, to protect your team mates and the opposing team.

Remember, community acquired MRSA means that everyone is at risk. Practice good hand washing and adhere to the IDSA guidelines and you will stay well.