Simple Steps to Save Children from MRSA
The number of babies and children infected with a potentially fatal form of MRSA has doubled in a year, government research has revealed.
Alarmingly, three-quarters were less than a year old and, of these, four out of ten were under one month. The findings will fuel concerns that the superbug is posing an increasing danger to babies and infants and that poor hospital hygiene is to blame.
Last year a survey by the Patients’ Association suggested that newborn babies at nine out of ten hospitals in England are ‘carrying’ the bug in their noses or on their skin. It poses a serious danger, however, if it enters the bloodstream - typically through an open wound or an intravenous drip. Premature babies are at particular risk.
Preliminary results from the HPA study show that 147 youngsters suffered bloodstream infections in 2005.
The latest cases of MRSA that have popped up in schools are quite frankly, as a mother of three children, very scary to me. If this MRSA is resistant to antibiotics, what can I do to keep my children safe? Are there certain things I can do to decrease the chances that one of my children will catch MRSA? Since I firmly believe in educating myself and taking preemptive action when it comes to potential threats to my children and I don’t have a medical background, I sifted through all the information available to me on MRSA. I’ve come up with the information that would potentially be the most helpful in keeping my own children safe.
I like to keep things simple so I made a numbered list.
1.) Make sure that your children wash their hands frequently. You really can’t overstate the importance of thorough handwashing to your children when it comes to preventing MRSA and a host of other illnesses.
2.) Teach your children to keep their personal items to themselves and for their use only (ex. comb, brush, towel, washcloth, toothbrush, clothing, athletic equipment etc.)
3.) Teach your children that they should be wary of open cuts or scrapes on other children.
4.) Keep a close eye on any cuts or scrapes on your children. Keep the area clean, dry and covered until it begins to heal. If an infection occurs take your child to their doctor and ask to have the infection tested for MRSA before an antibiotic treatement is begun.
Knowledge is power and with these four steps I feel empowered to teach my children about MRSA. I refuse to be a parent who remains ignorant and assumes there is nothing I can do. I will do my part to prevent the spread of MRSA in my children’s schools. I encourage all parents to do the same.
Tags: Children, MRSA, School, Superbug