As we get deeper and deeper into the winter months there seems to be more and more talk and media stories about hospital superbugs and viruses. Health professionals make the best effort to keep the spread of disease under control but there are more outbreaks every year. How can you protect yourself and your loved ones should you or they need to visit the hospital?
Cleanliness is the most effective combatant against the spread of these diseases. For the general public this includes keeping your hands clean and avoiding touching your face and mouth. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the facilities and always use the clean hand sanitization stations upon arriving and leaving the hospital. While at the hospital make sure you see nurses, doctors and other staff washing or sanitizing their hands as well. If you don't witness it don't be afraid to ask them to wash before checking your or the patient. It is important for your health and theirs. Other places like gyms and nursing homes are also prone to spreading disease so be sure to follow these same steps there.
MSRA and C.Diff
MSRA or Methicillin-resistant Staphylcoccus aureus is one of the most common hospital superbugs. This bacteria is harmless on the skin but will cause an infection when patients are wounded or have recently had surgery. It is resistant to the most common antibiotics and is believed to have come about because of the over prescription of antibiotics like penicillin. The more antibiotics are used the more likely it is for a bacteria to develop a resistance. The scary thing about MSRA is that there is no treatment for it. The body has to fight off the bacteria itself. This type of infection can become deadly when patients are already weak due to another illness, surgery or even old age.
Clostridium Difficile or C.Diff is the other most common hospital infection. C.Diff causes severe diarrhea and can be deadly for the elderly or those with a weakened immune system. It is also resistant to antibiotics. The bacteria creates anaerobic spores which can live for months on most surfaces. A person will become infected by ingesting the spores after touching the contaminated item. In this case hand washing with soap and water is extremely important but unlike MSRA the bacteria cannot be killed with alcohol based sanitizers. Cleaning surfaces with bleach becomes crucial.
Health Care Professionals
You may ask what the steps the health service is doing to prevent the spread of these two potentially deadly bacteria. Hospitals are taking extra care in cleaning and sanitizing beds, linens, surgical equipment and operating rooms. All hospital staff are required to wear appropriate hospital attire such as scrubs, which are more hygienic than other clothing. It is the hospitals responsibility to ensure that their staff are following proper procedures in maintenance and cleanliness. If you have concerns about the hospital in your community speak with a hospital representative to find out about their hygiene standards.
