Save your skin from MRSA

Methicilin resistant staphylococcus aureus is a hospital-acquired bacterial infection which is resistant to standard antibiotics. People with a weak immune system such as those recovering from a disease are more at risk of contracting the infection. Initial symptoms include small red bumps, boils and abscesses on the skin, septic wounds, swollen aching joints, fever and rashes on the body. Acute cases develop pneumonia and blood poisoning which can be life threatening. The disease is under control in developed countries but in the developing world lack of awareness and basic hygiene facilities is increasing the occurrence of the disease. Doctors, nurses and other hospital staff can act as carriers of the bacteria causing the disease. Hospitals and doctors who don't pay much importance to washing and sterilization practices encourage the incidence of MRSA. The disease can be averted by following simple hygiene activities like washing hands with soap or alcohol, covering up cuts and wounds, using only disposable and sterilized equipment and prescribing antibiotics. Doctors must realise their part in preventing the disease and take necessary precautions.