(NAPSA)—There’s good news for those concerned about the threat posed by infections caused by common bacteria. There are simple precautions—such as washing hands—that can help reduce thatrisk. Infections caused by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics have emerged as oneof the major challenges in health care. One of the most serious of these is a dangerous type of staph infection called MRSA (or methicillinresistant staphylococcus aureus), which is increasingly affecting otherwise healthy adults and children. The number of “community associated” MRSA infections is growing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 94,360 people developed a serious MRSA infection in 2005. The CDC notes that certain conditions increase the risk of transmitting staph infections like MRSA. These factors, referred to as the 5 C’s, are Crowding, frequent skin-to-skin Contact, Compromised skin (i.e., cuts or abrasions), Contaminated items and surfaces, and lack of Cleanliness. Anecdotal reports suggest that recurrent MRSA skin infections andclustering of infections within a household are relatively common occurrences. yy Simple precautions—such as cleaning wounds as soon as possible—can help reduce the threat of MRSA. Education is a critical component of managing MRSAcases. Doctors and pharmacists should educate patients and family members on simple methods to limit the spread of infection in their household. Povidone-iodine, for example, is the active ingredient in Betadine Solution and Skin Cleanser and was used to decontaminate the Apollo lunar module after Neil Armstrong’s moon walk. It’s used to reduce bacteria on the skin that potentially can cause skin infections. To learn more about Beta- dine antiseptic products, go to www.betadine.com or ask your local pharmacist.
