A deadly superbug has recently been featured in the news, demonized for its resistance to treatment and unwanted presence on college and high school campuses.
This superbug is a strain of the common staph bacteria that naturally exists in the environment as well as our bodies and is referred to as MRSA - an acronym for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
As its name implies, this bacteria is especially harmful because it does not submit to ordinary antibiotic treatment and may eventually invade the bloodstream and main organs, sometimes producing fatal results.
How do you know if you're infected?
The signs and symptoms of an MRSA infection usually take the form of skin lesions and abscesses, or pimple/bite like bumps.
Because it is often spread from skin-to-skin contact, the staph bacteria can get under the skin through cuts and scrapes from one infected person to another, resulting in inflammation.
What causes MRSA?
MRSA is spread through direct contact and the infection invades the bloodstream through breaks in the skin.
The main risk factors of MRSA are:
Previous episodes of eczema, psoriasis or even cuts and irritation from shaving increase the risk of infection.
A recent hospitalization where exposure to antibiotic-resistant strains of staph are present.
Participation in contact sports where the potential for infecting cuts and wounds increase.
Sharing personal items such as towels, razors, uniforms or athletic equipment.
Dwelling in close quarters that are unsanitary.
How is MRSA treated?
MRSA does not respond to penicillin. Therefore, more potent antibiotics, such as Vancomycin are administered to infected persons.
How do you protect yourself against MRSA?
Staph bacteria is quite common, however, there are certain things that individuals can do to prevent MRSA infection.
Hand-washing: By scrubbing hands briskly for at least 20 seconds and drying off with a paper towel, you can significantly reduce the presence of bacteria.
Preventing wound infection: By keeping wounds clean and covered by sterile, dry bandages, bacteria found in pus is kept from spreading.
Not sharing personal items: Razors, sheets and towels are a few items among many that you should keep personal. If you have a break in the skin or wound, wash your towels often in warm water to kill bacteria that may rub off onto the fabric.
While there is reason for alarm about the "deadly superbug" with recent unfortunate stories about young people succumbing to and becoming infected by the bacteria in our area, there are ways to protect yourself against it.
Students and athletes need to be particularly careful as they are often put into environments where the threat of spreading MRSA is particularly high.
However, if you implement a few hygienic "upgrades" to your daily routine you should be MRSA free.
If you suspect that you may have the infection or simply want to get a check up on your health, visit the Baruch Health Care Center on 138 E. 26th Street, main floor or call them at (646) 312-2040.
For more information on the topic visit the NYC Department of Health website, nyc.gov/health.
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