A number of deadly cases from MRSA (commonly known as staph) infections is changing the ways schools, athletic organizations and fitness centers, day care operators, and health settings clean and share items. But apparently not enough. As incidents occur across the nation in public settings, personal action is needed to help halt the spread of the deadly germs. Many school districts, fitness centers, pediatric offices, child care providers, businesses and even places of worship are stepping up cleaning procedures and distributing literature about the so-called "super bug." The scary news is that the germs are increasingly resistant to antibiotics. However, the simple solution seems to lie in the art of regular and thorough handwashing.
Medical experts say that staph infections are common and relatively harmless when in the nose or on the skin. The infection may appear to be a boil or spider bite. But if it travels more than skin deep, it can be difficult to stop with medications available currently. What is perhaps most disturbing is that the threat from staph is the greatest, and often begins, in health care settings.
There are several groups with the greatest risk factors, including those who have had recent surgeries, are in nursing homes, those who participate in contact sports, and who take drugs by injection. But of special note is the group of adults and children who spend significant time in public settings with a number of other people, such as daycare centers, schools and colleges, various workplace settings, and camps. While the information is not meant to alarm, it should be considered as an awareness platform with everyone doing their part to protect themselves from the risk of getting a staph infection (or any other germ).
Ways to reduce the risk of infection:
Interested in learning more? About Guide to Pediatrics Vince Iannelli, M.D., features detailed medical information about staph skin infections and MRSA.
More Child Care Quick Tips
Medical experts say that staph infections are common and relatively harmless when in the nose or on the skin. The infection may appear to be a boil or spider bite. But if it travels more than skin deep, it can be difficult to stop with medications available currently. What is perhaps most disturbing is that the threat from staph is the greatest, and often begins, in health care settings.
There are several groups with the greatest risk factors, including those who have had recent surgeries, are in nursing homes, those who participate in contact sports, and who take drugs by injection. But of special note is the group of adults and children who spend significant time in public settings with a number of other people, such as daycare centers, schools and colleges, various workplace settings, and camps. While the information is not meant to alarm, it should be considered as an awareness platform with everyone doing their part to protect themselves from the risk of getting a staph infection (or any other germ).
Ways to reduce the risk of infection:
- Wash hands often, using soap and water or alcohol gel.
- Don't share personal items. This includes a towel, soap, razors, nail clippers, makeup, lotion, or any product.
- Wash clothes in warm-to-hot water. If possible, don't use the gym-provided towels; bring your own.
- Keep your skin injury-free; if the skin is broken, wash it immediately with soap and water and disinfectant and then cover the area with a bandage.
- Clean high-touch items such as doorknobs, light switches, appliance handles regularly with a disinfectant.
- Bring a first-aid kit wherever your child is so that any boo-boos, including simple cuts and scrapes, can be treated and covered immediately. If possible, keep sanitary wipes or gel in a purse, bag or car at all times and use it with all family members before and after going to high-traffic public places (beyond just the restroom, where vigorous hand washing should already be taking place).
- Make sure kids understand the importance of hand washing at all times to keep germ free.
Interested in learning more? About Guide to Pediatrics Vince Iannelli, M.D., features detailed medical information about staph skin infections and MRSA.
