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MRSA Infections Are Rising in Kids: 'Superbug' Author Shares Prevention Tips

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What is not commonly known is that MRSA can be passed on to a household pet, dog or cat. These animals now become carriers and can retransmit infections to humans, especially kids, pregnant mothers, the elderly and adults with a weakened immune system from diseases like asthma and diabetes. Companion animals used in nursing homes are at higher risk of MRSA infection because of the healthcare environment. The American Veterinarian Medical Association has published precautions regarding visits, licking and touching these animals. Pets become contaminated when they lick a human’s body. A human becomes contaminated when they snuggle with a pet or pet an animal’s fur. How do you know if your pets are a source of MRSA germs? First, we need to focus on the family, immediate friends and neighbors that are part of your household. If anyone within that circle has been diagnosed with an MRSA infection it would be a good idea to check the pet.

Michael Rumbin of CA 4:59PM May 14, 2012

Plant extracts of certain plants can be incredibly effective against MSRA and any other infection- as well as viruses and fungus. Google "essential oils" and "MRSA" and see what you can learn. My own daughter had an oozy infection on her back- bug bites that got scratched open and then infected, spreading across her back and then forming a nasty boil, just as MRSA does- and we experienced amazing improvement with treatment via essential oils. Problem is, the pharmaceutical industry doesn't stand to profit hugely from it-- they can't patent tea tree oil, or lavender oil, or etc-- and so are not pursuing research on these amazing tools. Educate yourself; time is coming that it may be our best defense.

Kim of AR 8:30PM August 12, 2010

I think it is the way we live our lives: we don't have to live in a system where children come second, that sports dominates everything and that parents have to work for the money goal at all times. lets all breathe deep, step back and say "we want humanity and compassion in our lives", not aggression, corporate control of our lives and certainly certainly not the negative things war brings. we want to live in harmony...so now, go out and create it! downsize your house, downsize your car, get an electric car to help the environment, stay at home with your kids, declare bankruptcy ifyou must, don't let your kids be recruited for war. think peace.

twoeyes of FL 10:18PM May 19, 2010

Over-prescription is a huge problem and I don't think it's so much the parents wanting a prescription, it's as the article kind of said, the school or daycare usually won't let your kid back in unless they see you have taken some kind of action. And, it is terrible that parents have to put sick kids back in daycare and we shouldn't do that, but American workers are given so little time off that it is very easy to use your two weeks off on small children's illnesses quickly (because they get sick in daycare constantly). So, we get a prescription and dump our sniffling kids back in daycare and hope for the best. As a former working mom who now stays home because I couldn't deal with all that and feel good about how the kids were being treated, I know this is true. I am not anti-working mom at all, I just have so much sympathy for this dilemma.

Jen of IN 9:15AM May 17, 2010

Good info. My son just got MRSA from lacrosse contact (three other boys have it too) For sports parents I found additional questions I had in a treasure trove of info: http://bit.ly/cgLQ96

TessRN of CT 6:15PM May 15, 2010

Thank you for the excellent article and comment. Those of us raised with the miracle of antibiotics need to get it through our heads that infectious disease is once again a serious threat and personal hygiene the best defense!

CRS of NJ 1:05PM May 15, 2010

Biggest problem we encounter is patients; especially kids taken to hospitals with trivial symptoms will result in cross contamination of resistant bacteria and colonization in the hands.
When I started warning (in 1989) about the infection spreading in hospitals encouraged by practical procedures performed callously, I was worried the infection will threaten our kid. Unfortunately not many medical professionals even contemplated my worry. Even I did not imagine this would turn out to be the biggest killer that will bring medical professionals on their knees. Most doctors and nurses still think the pharmacutical companies will be successful in finding a miracle cure and so continue reckless behaviours.
The bugs are now said to be resistant to biocides (antiseptics, alcohol gel) when used in lower concentrating. Nurses are simply squirting gel on their hands and continue spreading because they do not use adequate quantity nor do they wait for the chemicals to act. The best method is washing hands with water and soaps for at least a minute but who does?
Kids in hospital go around touching objects, equipment and play with toys that are contaminated. Once they are colonised, they become a threat to others if not themselves.
I have published a website www.askmaya.net to help educate patients on how to avoid visits to hospitals. Please check out and register (its all free) let other parents know too

Dr Kadiyali M Srivatsa 2:46AM May 15, 2010