How to Reduce the Risk of MRSA (Superbug) Infections

Infections caused by MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) are killing more people each year than AIDS, according to the Center for Disease Control. These "superbugs" are actually variants of the common staph bacteria mutated to become immune to over half of the antibiotics currently used to treat bacterial infections. Approximately 25-30% of the population of the United States is colonized by staph bacteria, but not infected. Unfortunately, it's a simple step from colonization to becoming infected or infecting someone else. All it takes is a simple cut that allows staphylococcal bacteria to enter your body and begin their work.
Once inside, mutated strains of these bacteria can very quickly destroy any organ they inhabit. Heart, kidney and liver failure, necrotizing pneumonia (where the lungs are actually eaten away), septicaemia, and necrotizing fasciitis (flesh eating) are just a few of the deadly consequences of becoming infected with MRSA. Over 200 different strains of these superbugs have been identified, many of which can kill in a few hours. Even worse, the estimated mortality rate of 30% may be severely underestimated due to reporting the cause of death as one of the consequences listed above instead of mentioning MRSA.
Once considered a "hospital disease," MRSA infections are now showing up in public places such as gyms, athletic clubs, schools and virtually any place where physical contact is prevalent. No one can consider they are safe from this deadly threat.

Instructions

• 1

  UNDERSTAND HOW BACTERIA MUTATE. Bacteria are single celled organisms whose entire purpose is to survive. Any time antibiotics are used to treat an infection, any surviving bacteria will alter their genetic structure to become immune to that antibiotic in the future.

• 2

  LEARN HOW A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM WORKS. A healthy immune system will alter itself to become immune to bacteria it is exposed to in small doses. That's why immunizations are effective. A small amount of bacteria is injected to allow your immune system to alter itself before you come in contact with a virulent strain of the same bacteria. A properly functioning immune system does the same thing with everyday bacteria you come in contact with.

• 3

  USE ANTIBIOTICS WISELY. Do not take antibiotics for viral infections, such as colds, flu, bronchitis or mild ear infections. They aren't effective against viruses. When you go to the doctor with these problems, make sure you are tested for bacteria prior to accepting a prescription for antibiotics. If you are prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Resist the urge to stop taking them once you start feeling better. Never take antibiotics without a prescription.

• 4

  LIMIT USE OF HOUSEHOLD ANTIBACTERIAL PRODUCTS. Antibacterial products work the same way antibiotics do. They are intended for use only when someone in the house is ill, in order to prevent others from becoming infected. If these products are over used, you may very well be creating your own personal strains of resistant bacteria.

• 5

  PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE. Wash your hands frequently with regular soap and water. This eliminates most bacteria without causing mutations.

• 6

  PROTECT OPEN WOUNDS. It only takes a small cut to allow bacteria under your skin. Thoroughly clean and disinfect any abrasions immediately. Keep them covered, especially when in public places where physical contact is a possibility, until they are healed.

• 7

  NEVER ENTER THE HOSPITAL FOR ANY TYPE OF SURGICAL PROCEDURE WITHOUT BEING MRSA TESTED. The test is an inexpensive nasal swab with 24 hour results. MRSA you may carry is not necessarily a risk until during surgery, when the normally benign bacteria get the opportunity to invade your body.