Ask Dr. K: Prevent MRSA with good hygiene

DEAR DOCTOR K: What is MRSA? What makes it so dangerous?

DEAR READER: We have a brain, and bacteria don’t. So you’d think bacteria wouldn’t be able to outsmart us. But they sure can figure out ways to become resistant to the antibiotics we use to kill them.

In the early days of antibiotics, 70 years ago, one of the most common and dangerous types of bacteria – Staphylococcus aureus – could be killed by penicillin. However, these bacteria soon developed resistance to penicillin. So we invented another antibiotic, methicillin, which killed them. So far, so good.

Then, these bacteria developed resistance to methicillin. These bacteria are called MRSA: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is dangerous because it cannot be treated with many standard antibiotics.

Some strains of MRSA have evolved other threatening features. For example, white blood cells from the body’s immune system normally work together with an antibiotic to destroy bacteria. A hardy strain of MRSA destroys white blood cells.

The best way to prevent MRSA and other infections is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If you can’t get to a sink, use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.

Here are some more tips to help avoid picking up and spreading MRSA and other germs:

• Keep cuts or scrapes clean. Cover them with bandages and change the bandages daily.

• Don’t share personal items such as razors, towels and sheets.

• Wash workout clothes and athletic team uniforms after each use.

• Shower after you work out.

• Wash sheets and towels in hot water. Dry them in a hot dryer.

Unfortunately, over the past 50 years, MRSA has become pretty common in health facilities. That’s why it’s really important, when visiting a person in a hospital or nursing home, to thoroughly wash your hands before and after your visit. Follow any instructions posted outside the room, such as wearing protective gloves or a full gown.