How to avoid MRSA at the gym

MRSA (methicillin resistant staph aureus) has not gone away, and may even be here to stay. We have all been warned of the risks, and should continue to remain vigilant about spreading infection. MRSA might be hiding in your gym where you spend some quality time in search of healthy workout.

MRSA is not just an infection of the skin. Increased incidences of MRSA pneumonia are surfacing. MRSA bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing serious illness. Inhalation of the bacteria is possible. Even if you have a healthy immune system you can acquire and spread MRSA.

Protect yourself and others from MRSA by practicing good hygiene:

• Athletes who share equipment are at high risk for also sharing MRSA. A rule of thumb is do not share your personal sports equipment. All you need to get MRSA is a small break in the skin that allows the bacteria to enter. Skin infections from cause inflammation of the tissue, and boils that all difficult to treat with traditional antibiotics.
• Keep your own towel handy. Sharing a towel is a good way to get MRSA on the skin. Since we tend to wipe our faces a lot during exercise, the risk is higher because of the openings to the nose, mouth, and small skin breaks that might occur when men are freshly shaven.
• Never share a razor. MRSA can be present on the skin without symptoms. Your best friend could be a MRSA carrier.
• If you do have a cut or other skin opening, cover it well when going to the gym. Covering up an open sore or skin is the best way to prevent a MRSA skin infection. Keep a dry bandage handy in case you sweat off the original.
• Always shower after workout. Keep your hands away from your face until you have had a chance to wash.. Do the same as you go between equipment for your workouts.
• If you notice a new boil, or inflamed skin, seek medical treatment to avoid spreading MRSA to others and prevent complications. Skin infection from MRSA may look like nothing more than a pimple.
• Consider taking antibacterial wipes to the gym to protect from MRSA. No need to be afraid to wipe    down hand grips on gym equipment before you start your workout. It is well worth the potential stigma that might accompany seeming finicky – after all, you are your most important asset.
• Never put on headgear used by someone else without thoroughly wiping it down with alcohol.

Community acquired MRSA is a reality. Hospital patients are not the only ones vulnerable to infection. Few of us consider the possibilities when visiting public places, or sharing personal items with a friend. 
 

Remember, you cannot tell who carries MRSA, without specific testing. Anyone is at risk, even healthy athletes. Practice good hygiene to avoid MRSA, an antibiotic resistant bacterium that might be hiding in your gym.

Resources: 

 http://www.ongov.net/Health/mrsa.html

http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Health+Department/Top+News/MRSA.htm

Related:

Therapy Dogs Can Spread MRSA and C. Difficile