Health and Wellness
Protect yourself from illness
There's a lot in the news lately about MRSA. What is this condition that 60 Minutes calls the "superbug"? What can I do to protect my family?
MRSA stands for Methicillin Resistant Staphlococcus, which is a type of Staphylococcus bacteria that has developed resistance to antibiotics usually used to treat the infection. People get MRSA the same way they get other strains of "staph aureus" that are sensitive to antibiotics.
Sally Rosemeyer, BS, RN, said the primary way they contract MRSA is by contact (direct or indirect) with a person who either has a wound infection, a respiratory infection, or is colonized with the bacteria. Persons who get MRSA are usually already ill from other medical conditions.
Because MRSA is most often diagnosed in those who are already ill, keeping your family protected from all illness, not just MRSA, is a key to prevention. Flu shots are recommended for all persons over the age of six months, says Rosemeyer.
The best defense against illness is hand washing, says Rosemeyer. Hands should be washed after using the bathroom, before and after preparing or eating meals, after handling money, etc.
"You cannot make the mistake of washing your hands too much," says Rosemeyer.
For times you are not able to wash your hands, Rosemeyer suggests carrying an alcohol-based hand gel. "Check the label to make sure the alcohol level is at 62%. Gels with an alcohol level less than that are not effective," explained Rosemeyer.
Rosemeyer also suggests keeping counters, tables, and other household surfaces clean, following proper food safety guidelines, and maintaining good hygiene habits.
