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Risk of Staph Infections at the Local Gym

Staph infections are not uncommon, but what has people worried recently is the outbreak of antibiotic-resistant strains of infection being spread in community areas, not just hospitals, and throughout a healthy population, not just those with compromised immune systems. This particular type of staph infection, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus) has been associated with outbreaks in gyms, military barracks and dorms. It's called a "superbug," as it has the ability to change and become resistant to antibiotic treatment.

  1. Significance

    • Staphyloccus aureus is common, and is found in the noses and on the skin of approximately one-third of the population. The mere presence of staphloccus doesn't mean an infection is inevitable. Once staph infections were almost exclusively associated with hospital or health-care settings. The latest strain is called community-acquired MRSA, and is mostly linked to settings where people interact in close quarters, such as dormitories, military barracks and gyms. Gyms where athletes participate in high-contact sports are particularly susceptible to outbreaks, particularly football and martial arts gyms.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms of MRSA include small red bumps, resembling spider bites; red tender pimples, boils or skin abscesses; burning, red skin abrasions or bumps; cuts or abrasions that do not heal after a few days; pus at the wound site; fever and/or chills; and shortness of breath. The initial appearance of MRSA lends itself to being mistaken for a spider bite. The most clear symtom of a MRSA infection, however, is the heat and redness around the wound. MRSA is most often contracted through open skin, which is why athletes in high-contact sports are much more likely to get MRSA infections.

    Complications

    • MRSA infections can become quite serious, even fatal, and the most sensational cases reported are those that develop into a serious, "flesh-eating" infection. The complications of a staph infection include pneumonia, bone infection, blood infection, lung abscesses, meningitis, heart infection and arthritis. The complications can be life-threatening, and it is imperative that anyone suspecting a MRSA or staph infection seek medical treatment promptly.

    Prevention/Solution

    • The best prevention for avoiding a staph infection is frequent hand-washing. Washing hands for about 25 seconds with soap and warm water is best. If water is not available, alcohol-based hand-sanitizer is a good alternative. All shared gym equipment should be disinfected before and after each use. Keep a clean towel as a barrier on shared equipment. Bring your own towel and wash it in hot water after each use. Shower immediately after workouts. Do not share towels, clothing, soap, swimwear, combs, brushes or shaving equipment. Keep open wounds covered and clean, and do not use whirlpools, saunas, or pools until the wound is closed.

    Treatment

    • For mild staph infections, no antibiotic treatment is required. For serious infections, drainage of the infection site is typically needed, and an aggressive course of antibiotic treatment, often a combination of antibiotics, is necessary. It is vital that all medication be taken exactly as directed, in the strength prescribed, for the entire course. Never stop taking an antibiotic simply because the condition appears to improve. The overall survival rate for MRSA infections is 94 percent.

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