Staph and Community Acquired MRSA Infections in Athletes

Recently the news has been full of headlines about the so-called "super bug" known as MRSA. The cases that have been reported are concerning and many young, healthy athletes and their parents are questioning if athletes are at higher risk of contracting this super bug. It's true that due to close contact during some sports such as wrestling, athletes may be more likely to get Community Acquired MRSA. It's also true that this form of MRSA is able to be treated and is not the same at the Hospital Acquired MRSA that is much more difficult to treat.

Can I get a staph or MRSA infection at my health club? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website:

"In the outbreaks of MRSA, the environment has not played a significant role in the transmission of MRSA. MRSA is transmitted most frequently by direct skin-to-skin contact. You can protect yourself from infections by practicing good hygiene (e.g., keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub and showering after working out); covering any open skin area such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage; avoiding sharing personal items such as towels or razors; using a barrier (e.g., clothing or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment; and wiping surfaces of equipment before and after use."

Learn more:

• Community Acquired MRSA in Athletes
• Community-Associated MRSA Information for the Public from the CDC
• Community-Associated MRSA Information for Clinicians from the CDC
• Community-Associated MRSA information from the CDC
• Types for Avoiding Germs at the Gym
• Health Club Manners

_{Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Overview of Community-Associated MRSA, 2007.}