Staph infections like MRSA have been around for a very long time. But it's just lately that you seem to hear about it everywhere. The media is having a field day with this ?superbug? highlighting only the words that will cause the most fear and panic. Seriously people we don't need to throw are arms in the air and scream the world is over. There are measures that can be implemented to minimize the spread of MRSA. Alot of schools, gyms and other facilities have been sending home literature on it outlining what preventative measures to take. The following is an outline detailing the basic facts on MRSA.

Who can get MRSA and Where?

MRSA occurs more often in hospitals and other health facilities where it can attack those most vulnerable like older adults and people with weakened immune systems, burns, surgical wounds or serious underlying health problems. Nursing homes show a high risk even more so than hospitals. Those infected have the ability to spread it, even if they're not sick themselves. People who are on dialysis, are catheterized, or have feeding tubes are also at high risk.

MRSA has also found a home in amateur and professional sports. The bacteria is easily spread through cuts and abrasions and skin-to-skin contact. Sharing towels and athletic equipment. Although few outbreaks have been reported in public gyms, CA-MRSA has spread among athletes sharing razors, towels, uniforms or equipment. Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions. Some military training camps and prisons have reported accurances.

MRSA can be very dangerous in children. Their immune systems aren't fully developed or they don't have the antibodies to common germs yet. Children often get cuts and scrapes making it easy for the bacteria to enter the body. Also people with weakened immune systems, including those living with HIV/AIDS, are more likely to have severe CA-MRSA infections.

What are the symptoms?

Usually it appears in the form of a skin infection, like small red bumps that look like pimples. Some have mistaken it for a spider bite. But they don't stay that way for long. They turn into deep boils or painful abscesss that will require draining. It also might infect a surgical wound. In either case, the area would look swollen, red, painful and sometimes with pus. But they can also burrow deep into the body, causing potentially life-threatening infections in bones, joints, surgical wounds, the bloodstream, heart valves and lungs.

If staph infects the lungs and causes pneumonia you might have, shortness of breath, fever,

and chills. MRSA can cause many other symptoms since it can infect the urinary tract or the bloodstream. In very rare cases staph can result in ?flesh-eating? bacterial infections. These are serious skin infections that spread very quickly.

When do I need medical attention?

Take note on minor skin problems ? pimples, insect bites, cuts and scrapes, especially in children. If wounds become infected, see your doctor. If antibiotics are prescribed ask to have the skin infection tested for MRSA before starting therapy. Drugs that treat ordinary staph aren't effective against MRSA, and their use could lead to serious illness and more resistant bacteria. If you are already being treated for an infection, watch for signs that your medicine isn't working. If you are already taking an antibiotic, call your doctor if you get a fever or the infection doesn't get better after three or four days or if it gets worse.

How do you prevent MRSA?

Hospitals have procedures and systems in place to prevent the start and spread of MRSA. From surveillance that track bacterial outbreaks to antibiotic-coated catheters and gloves that deliver disinfectants. People who are infected are put in isolation to prevent the spread of germs to other patients and workers. Strict handwashing procedures, protective garments, disinfecting surfaces and special laundering practices are in place.

Protecting yourself against MRSA in our community requires common sense.

Wash your hands. Use soap and biskly scrub hands. Sing the happy birthday song twice. Dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer containing at least 62 percent alcohol for times when you don't have access to soap and water. Don't share personal items like towels, sheets, razors, clothing and athletic equipment. MRSA spreads on contaminated objects as well as through direct contact. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores may have MRSA, and keeping wounds covered will help keep the bacteria from spreading. Shower immediately after each game or practice.

Wash gym and athletic clothes after each wearing. Use antibiotics appropriately by taking all your doses.