Drug-resistant staph striking the healthy

The News & Observer (NC) ^ | Sep 30, 2004 | LINDA A. JOHNSON

[Cate]

My big problem with that is you are making the rest room a big mess for the next person. All those paper towels all over the floor are disgusting. I am one of those people who takes the time to use another paper towel and pick up the ones you've dropped. Throwing the germs on the floor is not an answer, plus if you've ever had to clean a bathroom after a group of people have been in there, you would appreciate people not throwing paper towels on the floor. Maybe you should invest in long sleeves.

[Born Conservative]

Unfortunately, most medical and nursing students can opt out of genetics... leaving them without the scientific knowledge of how these bacteria mutate and become resistant.

First, nurses don't prescribe medications (unless they are a nurse practitioner, and even then it is under the supervision of a physician). Second, upon my completion of RN school 15+ years ago, I distinctly remember being VERY well aware of drug-resistant germs (most nurses are compulsive when it comes to preventing nosocomial infections; it's ingrained into us at nursing school). 3. The reason people get antibiotics for colds is because it's much easier for the doc to write out the script, than it is for that doc to put up the brick wall, and field the daily phone calls from that patient until he/she receives their antibiotic. It's certainly not the right thing to do, it's just the easiest. I don't agree with it, given the increasing incidence of drug-resistant bugs, but that's the way it is in the real world.

[snopercod]

Interesting. I've never heard of anyone coming down with M.R.S.A. who had not been in a hospital.

I have a friend who almost died of M.R.S.A. earlier this year after a routine colonoscopy.

[tubebender]

I have read that a majority of people using a public restroom don't wash their hands before leaving so if you are willing to take a chance it's your call. Most hospitals and restaurants are smart enough to place receptacles next to the door.

[rellimpank]

-----I have near a memorized speech that I give to groups of ignoramuses cursing the drug companies---pointing out that if you are eighty, the life expectancy when you were born was about fifty five so you are now on twenty-five years of borrowed time thanks to the miracle of modern chemistry--it leaves the group speechless but with something to think about---

--I'm 63, by the way---

[Mears]

It wasn't until after I sent my post that I realised you noted your post as sarcasm.

Wish I was 63 again---God,time goes by quickly,doesn't it?

[rellimpank]

---actually, this approach to middle age isn't as bad as I thought it would be at twenty----

[Mears]

Good attitude---LOL

[najida]

Darlin',

Keep in mind, one day too, you will be old, and a geezer.

There is only one way to avoid it ;)

[rellimpank]

----yep---but I'm not going to sit around the senior center damning the drug companies for expecting payment for the stuff that's keeping me alive----

[VolunteerCleanGear]

I know you may not be aware of this, but the sports protective equipment (helmets and pads) are one of the most common places to find MRSA among many other forms of nasty bacteria such as Strep, Ecoli and many others. The athlete gets a cut or abrasion from the field or just playing and then the bacteria from the equipment gets into the body that way.

The only thing all these athletes come in contact with on a daily basis that is not being properly cleaned and sanitized is their protective gear!

We all know the antibiotics are not working to cure this very nasty infection, so we had all better start looking at new solutions for prevention!

Not everyone knows of the new solutions that are out there for this purpose, but make no mistake there are many in lots of states already!

Not to make this a commercial or anything, but check out volunteercleangear.com for information on a new way to clean and sanitize sports protective equipment. It is the only solution available that is proven to kill 99.99% of all bacteria living in the gear.

It is our responsibility to help prevent more kids from getting seriously ill.

Thanks