Tips to Prevent MRSA

MRSA is scary stuff. You hear about it all over the national media. Last year we had a few local outbreaks in Philly. And in the past 3 months my Great Aunt in Florida suffered from MRSA for weeks and my neighbor’s 6 year old neice also had it.

I admit that my background in the pharmaceutical industry coupled with my borderline hypochondria is a kind of “Perfect Storm” causing all kinds of Parental worries about my kids and my own health. But given the growth of anitbiotic resistance, I think everyone should worry at least a teeny tiny bit about MRSA.

Mom Central shared the below tips about preventing the spread of MRSA from a really informative and helpful website called Stop MRSA NOW. And not to scare you more but check out this factual MRSA info I found on the website…….

“MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of Staph bacteria found on the skin and in the nose that is resistant to antibiotics. More than 90,000 Americans get potentially deadly MRSA infections every year and in 2005, nearly 19,000 Americans died from MRSA infections. More deaths are linked to MRSA infections than AIDS. “

• Scrub up – Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub sanitizer.
• Wipe it down – Use a disinfecting bleach solution to wipe down and disinfect hard surfaces. (1 tablespoon of disinfecting bleach diluted in 1 quart of water)
• Cover your cuts – Keep any nicks or wounds covered with a clean, dry bandage until healed.
• Keep to yourself – Do not share personal items, like towels or razors, that come into contact with bare skin.
• Use a barrier – Keep a towel or clothing between skin and shared equipment.