Blunders are a part of life. We have heard the expression "To err is human." Mistakes can be big or small. They can have short-term or long-term effects. They can affect only us, or they can affect multiple people. In the case of healthcare, mistakes can not only be regrettable-they can be deadly! Thus, whether we work in medical clinics or medical centers, it is vital to minimize our mistakes. Here are some important mistakes to avoid, regarding the bacteria MRSA:



1. Misunderstanding what MRSA is

This mistake involves omitting an act, rather than performing an act. The official name of MRSA, or the "superbug," is: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. This is a type of "staph bacteria" that can become harmful or even deadly to people, when it infects them. When MRSA sits in people's noses or on their skin, it is harmless. However, after it enters a person's body, such as through the skin-that is when physicians must treat people for infection.

2. Failing to take actions to prevent the spread of MRSA

Hospitals are particularly vulnerable to MRSA. Thus, it is important that personnel take steps to minimize the transmission of the bacteria. Walls, floors, beds, etc. must be sparkling clean. Medical personnel must sterilize all equipment before using it. Even the clothing that the medical staff wears can help to prevent MRSA's transmission. Scientific research had revealed that scrubs, such as cheap landau scrubs, are much more hygienic than other types of medical attire, and can thus reduce the spread of MRSA.

3. Assuming that all antibiotics can kill MRSA

We might assume that all antibiotics can kill MRSA. However, that is not the case with MRSA bacteria. These "superbugs" are resistant to several types of antibiotics, including penicillin, and penicillin-type antibiotics. For instance, MRSA is very resistant to the following antibiotics:

• Amoxicillin

• Cephalosporins

• Methicillin

• Oxacillin

• Penicillin

• Vancomycin

Furthermore, because MRSA is not a virus, there is no vaccination to safeguard patients and medical staff. Thus, physicians are somewhat limited to which antibiotics they can use to treat those who MRSA has infected.

4. Failing to detect MRSA infections early enough

It is important that when anyone suspects patients of having MRSA, that the latter be tested for the infection. This is particularly important because MRSA differs from staph infections. Physicians must treat both of these infections differently, as they involve different types of bacteria.

Even if someone believes that he or she has an MRSA infection, it is vital that medical personnel conduct the proper test. This should include a culture test, so physicians can accurately determine which type of infection the patient has-and then prescribe the right treatment. While several traditional treatments exist, some people argue that alternative medicine is also effective in eliminating MRSA from one's body.

It is true that, "to err is human." However, we should take measures, such as wearing of scrubs, to reduce the transmission of MRSA in medical facilities. A MRSA mistake is simply too costly!