OMG MRSA is such a pain in the ass in the medical field. I worked in the foot and ankle and we dealt with lots of nasty wounds. MRSA is just nasty stuff. The problem with it is its just so damn communicable. The dr and staff would double glove, I would clean everything in alcohol and THEN autoclave it. I have friends in surgeon's offices who got it. Usually its just a painful area that looks like a painful pimple. But sometimes damn it will create a hole. I have had it in the past when I worked in the medical office as well, leaves a very nasty scar. I don't know about sex spreading it but if you are rubbing up against someone with it anywhere on their body yes, you can get it. Again, usually its just a painful pimple like area. But dammit when it gets angry does it ever get angry. The OR was always trying to keep it under control and nursing homes deal with it regularly as well. Nasty, nasty stuff. Shell

My wife's primary care physician told her that virtually EVERY health care worker is already colonized by MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aurea). That's why it is known as a "hospital disease" that is most frequently acquired by patents who entered a hospital without it and contracted the infection while there. My 89-year-old dad went to the hospital in October with a gall bladder infection. While there, he contracted MRSA pneumonia in both lungs. He didn't come home from the hospital until Easter. There is a growing movement now that would prevent hospitals from charging patients or their insurance companies for MRSA infections acquired in the hospital. The same is true for Clostridium difficile, aka C-dif, which is an intestinal infection resistant to antibiotics and also almost always acquired in the hospital by patients who didn't have it when they entered the hospital. Jim

Many people forget that SWEAT is a body fluid...something most people in dungeon circles are made aware of early on. As tattooists, we have had swarms of people coming down with MRSA that are known to us (we see it on release forms)...where are they getting it? Clinics, the gym, restaurant kitchens, EVERYWHERE people are in close proximity. A whole team of gymnasts at the local high school contracted it from poorly-cleaned gym mats. Is there a point to this story? Probably not. It pays to be informed (as we are required to be for our careers) but it is impossible to protect yourself completely. The best advice from our supervising doctor...wash your hands often, try to keep your immunities strong, and hope for the best. We use plastic arm sleeves for people that know they carry the blood version, and won't tattoo anyone with sores of any kind. To that I would add...maybe incorporate a sexy shower post-play. The worst part is that we have done this to ourselves by using far too many anti-bacterial household products and giving out antibiotics like candy. Go figure evolution happens and germs get stronger...

Usually the MRSA that is transmitted via health care professionals is airborne. Thus creating a breeding ground for phenomena,,,,,, at least that has been my understanding. Mine was a skin infection, that almost went into my blood. MRSA is an infection that is resistant to most antibiotics. I am assuming I got it because of all the past antibiotic therapies I have been on. I had a whole year where I was a walking talking sinus infection, and was on some pretty strong stuff. Just another good reason to never take a dose of antibiotics unless you really need them. I know people who will just think they are coming down with something, and take some antibiotics they have left from a previous dose. We do build up immunities to this stuff, and trust me you don't want to do that. Sha'

Mrs. Bunny:

Do you work in a health care environment? Thanks for all the info. It is greatly appreciated.

M.

I have been inflicted with MRSA a few times, the last being the worst. I actually had to have the last abcess taken care of by the surgeon. And yes there is now a terrible scar there, and I may have to have another surgery to remove the pocket inside that was left from the scarring because there was so much trauma. To make matters worse, the area infected was from an ingrown hair in my groin, and being active in the Lifestyle I am a lil self conscious of the scarrring. Ugly ugly ugly is all I can say :-[ The advice from my doc, was to wash with Phisohex {what I like to call my $50.00 shower gel} from head to toe, and under my nails twice daily. They also recommend that any of my sex partners do the same, so yes they do feel it can be transmitted sexually, but only due to the skin on skin contact {its not an STD}. You can be a carrier, but both MrBunny and I have been tested and neither of us are. However now that I have had it, it is more likely than not that if I get any infections on my skin, it will be MRSA. I have also heard from a friend whos nephew had it, it is infecting children like wild fire. They are having to go through the surgical process I went through, and let me tell you the infections are unbearable. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, and it is too much for even me. I can only imagine what these children must go through, and I feel terrible for them. MRSA is not to be taken lightly, and is becoming more and more widespread. If anyone has a skin infection that will not go away with your average antibiotic, get tested for MRSA. Scarry stuff, and my friend who did some extensive research has even read that it can live on toilet seats,,,, even scarier. If anyone has any questions and wants to email me privately, plz feel free to do so. Kisses Sha'

You can still have booger flicking contests. Just don't flick at each other and remember to wash your hands after ;-)

Oh, alright...if they must. LMAO

Heather

Awww man! That means no more booger flicking contests!!! LOL Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Heather

proably most of the population has MRSA and just doesn't realize it. I work as an RN in an ER. and see it daily. it is spread with skin to skin contact on a wound. everyone thinks that it something deadly, lots of people live with it daily. when open wounds are cultured MRSA it usually there. if people would also finish up all atb given, then these bugs would go away and not keep getting stronger