MRSA and USA300
For those of us who work out predominately at home, MRSA isn't a big issue, but it is for the fitness community at large. Its gotten so bad at some gyms near me that they have had to have clinics to show members how to protect themselves. MRSA is nothing to mess with. Just a reminder, I am not a medical professional - here are some of my sources of information:
New Jersey Public Health CDC San Francisco Chronicle
Protecting yourself against MRSA at the gym
Although MRSA is mainly spread from person to person by direct skin contact, it is possible to come in contact with the bacteria by using shared gym equipment. Here are some common sense precautions you can take to protect yourself from infections at the gym:
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Place a towel or piece of clothing between your skin and surfaces of shared equipment such as mats or weight benches. When using stationary bikes or other cardio equipment with seats, make sure to put a towel over the seat. Don't use the same towel to dry off in the shower as you use on the equipment.
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Wear gloves. Not workout gloves with the fingers cut off but normal work gloves found at hardware stores.
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Wipe surfaces of equipment before and after use. Alcohol is the active ingredient you need to look for in the sanitizer.
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Take a shower after your workout. If you shower at the gym make sure to use shower slippers and don't sit directly on any surfaces, sit on a clean towel.
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Don’t share personal items such as razors and towels.
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If you can’t take a shower, wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. Turns out that our mothers were right all along :)
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Cover cuts, scratches or scrapes with a clean bandage.
What is MRSA?
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) MRSA are staph bacteria that have become resistant to certain antibiotics, making them more difficult to treat.
What is Staphylococcus aureus?
Staphylococcus aureusbelongs to a group of well-known bacteria known as “staph.” Staph bacteria are one of the most frequent causes of skin infections in the U.S. These skin infections are minor most of the time, but staph can also cause serious infections. These infections include wound infection, bloodstream infection and pneumonia.
What is USA300 (USA-300)?
USA300 is a strain of staphylococcus aureus (staph). USA300 is one of a dozen distinct strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, now circulating. The first MRSA strain, resistant to the penicillin substitute methicillin, was discovered in 1961. It continues to evolve. More than 200 families of the strain have come and gone since. USA300 is shaping up as the worst of the lot. USA300 is as dangerous as they come - it can attack organs throughout the body, forcing doctors to amputate fingers, toes and limbs. Its most disturbing trait, however, is just how easily it gets around.
Who gets MRSA skin infections?
Anyone can get a MRSA skin infection. Even healthy people with healthy skin can become infected.
How is MRSA spread?
Staph bacteria, including MRSA, are almost always spread by direct physical contact. Staph bacteria are not spread through the air. The bacteria can also spread when people come into contact with objects that have been contaminated with the bacteria. These objects include towels, clothing, bedding, gym or sports equipment and bandages.
Can MRSA skin infections be treated?
Many staph skin infections, including those caused by MRSA, can be treated by draining the abscess or boil. Many of these infections do not need to be treated with antibiotics. Drainage of skin boils or abscesses should only be done by a healthcare provider. Most staph infections, including those caused by MRSA, are treatable with antibiotics. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, TAKE ALL THE ANTIBIOTICS, even if the infection is getting better. Don’t share antibiotics with other people or save unfinished antibiotics for use at another time. If the infection is not better in a few days, contact your healthcare provider. If other people you know or live with get the same infection, tell them to go to their healthcare provider.