Be Savvy About Staph
Judy Stevens R.N., BSN Community Health Nurse/Wellness Educator
Recently there have been some scary things in the news about superbugs and bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. We want you to get the facts, stay safe and not panic. What we know is that certain bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics and we have begun to see cases in the community. The majority of serious problems occur in older people who have health problems and most of what we are seeing in the community is still easily treated. A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (Vol. 298, No. 15) states that the overall incidence rate is about 32 infections per 100,000 people. However, more than half of these patients were in the health care system – people who had recently had surgery or had problems with their immune system.
This new study offers a good look at how pervasive these infections can be. The bacteria can be carried by healthy people and lives on their skin or in their noses. People who live in close living conditions, who practice contact sports (such as wrestling and football), and people with open cuts and wounds can be more susceptible.
The recent study has outlined the fact that we need better prevention measures. So what can you do? The best prevention is good hygiene.
- Wash your hands. Wash hands with warm soapy water before and after eating and after using the bathroom.
- Keep open wounds and cuts covered.
- Don’t share personal toiletries such as razors and towels.
- Don’t share sports equipment
- Shower after working out.
These simple measures should keep you safe. If you notice a sore or pimple-like lesion that is not healing or notice increased swelling, redness, drainage please contact UNH Health Services (862-2856) or your Health Care Provider.
For more information check the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services website: http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/DHHS/CDCS/staph.htm and the Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html.
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