Risk and Prevention
| Risk and Prevention Who is at risk for MRSA? A partial list of risk factors:
It is important to note that many young, seemingly healthy people are getting MRSA, especially CA-MRSA. Some doctors believe that your DNA make up is what makes you more or less susceptible to developing an infection. It is also highly likely that many of us have depressed immune function due to our food choices and/or the use of antibiotics. ** Special note to nursing moms: Do NOT stop breastfeeding your baby if you have MRSA. Do NOT stop holding and touching your baby if you have MRSA. Your milk and touch gives your baby a daily dose of immune protection and the love and nurturing he/she needs to live as stress-free as possible. Slow down and get rest during this time of your life. This information comes from the best Infectious Disease Doctor in our large metropolitan city. See our Moms & Babies page. Prevention THERE ARE 10 TIMES AS MANY BACTERIAL CELLS ON YOUR BODY THAN HUMAN CELLS (this is possible because bacteria cells are smaller than human cells). The majority of bacteria are helpful to us and even necessary. The largest numbers of bacteria are on your skin and in your digestive tract. The best prevention against MRSA is a strong immune system, a healthy balance of different bacteria and good hygeine. Living in a warm, moist climate may exasperate the problem. Please note that, even if you do all the following things, you will still be exposed to MRSA and you may still get infected. Avoid elective, unnecessary surgery. Wash your hands often. Sounds simple but, of course, this is always a good idea. It will probably not keep you from coming into contact with microscopic bacteria but it may reduce your overall risk of contracting an infection. Do not use hand soap with Triclosan (an antibiotic). Exposing bacteria to antibiotic chemicals, even topically on your skin, increases the risk of it becoming more resistant. Use natural antimicrobial products on minor wounds and cuts whenever possible. Instead of an antibiotic ointment, wipe with Hydrogen Peroxide and then try any of the following:
Use oral antibiotics judiciously. Some doctors give you antibiotics out of habit and many patients even expect to get them. Always ask, "Is this antibiotic necessary?". Let your doctor know that you are trying to save antibiotics for serious infections only. Please read "Germ Warfare" on our "Links" page... especially page three. Do not use antibiotics for colds and flus. There are a variety of natural anti- microbials you can use instead. We have tried many things (zinc, vitamin C, etc) but have enjoyed the most success by using AllimedTM liquid for our cold and flu symptoms. Always take a probiotic after using an antibiotic of any kind. Clean your house and linens often. Use detergents without allergens (perfumes, etc) because you need your immune system to fight off other things besides your laundry detergent. Few things top bleach for surface cleaning but be sure to use it in a well-vented area. Eat a healthy diet. Stay away from processed foods as much as possible. Keep mostly fresh (organic preferred) fruit and vegetables in your refrigerator so you will get used to reaching for them as snacks. Eat them raw as much as possible. Eat grass-fed meat and eggs from pastured chickens whenever possible. Reduce the use of processed flour products and avoid wheat, white flour and gluten. Reduce or eliminate beef and all cow products including dairy. Whether you eat meat or are a vegetarian, never eat soy (you will find it in most processed foods). See our "Links" page for websites that support healthy eating for both lifestyles. Again, you need your immune system free to fight off other things beside the food you eat. See our new "MRSA Diet" page! Take a good probiotic every day, whether or not you have taken an antibiotic recently. The best probiotics are raw, fermented foods like natto or kefir. If you are going to buy your probiotics in pill form, see our "Favorite Products" page for ideas. Where does MRSA live? The following section is from our "What Is MRSA?" page. We think it's important enough to repeat. Some doctors say that MRSA lives in the nose, in the gut (aka the digestive tract or intestines) and on the skin. However, that doesn't really paint the whole picture. Consider that MRSA infections can turn up inside your brain, spine, jaw, arms, legs, hands, feet, ears, armpits, eyes, face, throat, lungs... you get the picture. Common sense leads us to think that, since MRSA is a microscopic organism that can pass through the tissues of the body, it can live anywhere on or in your body given the proper opportunity. Possible points of entry are your nose, your mouth, your eyes or anywhere on your skin whether you have a cut or not. MRSA infections usually affect some but not all members of a family, leading doctors to the theory that your DNA make up determines how well you can fight it off. It is estimated that up to 53 million people carry MRSA. Besides on and in humans, MRSA is known to live for weeks on everyday surfaces like computer keypads, doorknobs, light switches, cell phones... the list is endless. Think about this... your skin cells shed every 35 days (not all at the same time, of course). Now imagine the vast amount of skin cells laying about. MRSA or, more specifically, bacterial resistance, can be passed to and from our pets and livestock. MRSA could also possibly be transmitted by handling or consuming infected meat. |
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