Why is MRSA on the rise?

Submitted by Dr. O Brien on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 13:48.

Methycillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an invasive bacteria that, once it has access to a wound, scratch, or abrasion, can cause serious infections. Why is it on the rise?

Overuse of antibiotics and the resulting resistance genes that proliferated in bacteria are the main reasons.

There have been pockets of infections in the last several months in the Phoenix Metro area, especially in Kindergarten/School age children. Are our kid's immune systems not as strong as they could be? That is a possibility. Do we really need to use all those hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes, etc.? There are many ways to boost the immune system without resorting to using chemicals to try to control the external environment we live in.

Did you know that 1 course of antibiotics, which are sometimes absolutely necessary, can have negative effects on the the immune system. Kids who are not exposed to a lot of 'germs' as babies and toddlers have more allergies, asthma and infections.

So- how do we prevent MRSA ?

Let's avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotics, keep our kids immune systems up by giving them " good bacteria " or probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidis bacteria and avoid the use of too many hand disinfectants and wipes-rather do good old fashioned handwashing.

Probiotic supplements can be purchased in health food stores as well as at Luna Fitness.