Alice Ackerman, MD, Chair of Pediatrics for Carilion Clinic Children's Hospital says be aware, use reasonable caution, but don't be too worried about MRSA, and don't let it change your everyday approach to life.
According to Dr. Ackerman MRSA, which stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, has actually been occurring in communities across the country for years. "It's actually happening here later than in many other communities around the country," Ackerman says. "In the bigger cities this has been a problem for the last five to ten years."
(Watch Dr. Ackerman's interview on AP-TV)
She says people should use normal common sense and pay attention to cleanliness.
"If something is overtly soiled, change it or wash it. I would not keep children home from school. Really understanding that this organism is probably much more prevalent than we know. It would make just as much sense to stay home from the local YMCA or WalMart as it would to stay home from school."
According to Dr. Ackerman, if you have any kind of skin lesion, you should keep it clean and keep it covered. If it doesn't start getting better, see your doctor. Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of any kind of infection.
More information about MRSA from the Virginia Department of Health is available here.
