Update:Two of Three Deceased Family Members Had Post-Flu MRSA Infections

Two of the three recently deceased family members who had contracted H3N2 influenza in Lusby,Maryland were found to also be infected with post-flu MRSA bacterial infection of the lungs,the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene indicated.Those who died were Lou Ruth Blake,81,and her children Lowell,58,and Vanessa,56.Another daughter,Elaine,51,who lived at home and was her mother's main caregiver,also fell ill and was hospitalized,as was Ruth Blake's sister.Elaine has since been released from hospital and her aunt is improving.
It is possible that the deceased children contracted both the flu and post-flu MRSA infections from their mother while visiting with her.Ruth Blake had been vaccinated with a flu shot;the children had not.Although generally effective,vaccination is not foolproof-especially among the elderly.MRSA,a variety of staphylococcus aureus,is called the flesh-eating bacterium because of its extreme toxicity.Amputations and even death are not uncommon from this dangerous,antibiotic-resistant organism.When lungs have been inflamed by the flu,they are more susceptible to infection by the MRSA bacteria.MRSA bacteria can live harmlessly on the skin for extended periods,apparently waiting for an opening.There have been many previous cases of post-flu infection with this antibiotic-resistant MRSA pneumonia.

Health Uncle:Hand Washing Works

A study in the Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management shows the importance of hand washing by health care workers.Conducted at a medical center near Baltimore,the study tracked an effort by the hospital to reduce the spread of the deadly MRSA infection,caused by an antibiotic-resistant staph bacterium.Certain staff members acted as enforcers of the hand washing regimen,reminding offenders of their responsibility.In consequence,during a three year time frame,hand washing increased from about 40% to more than 90%,and the number of hospital-transmitted MRSA infections went down by 49%,in spite of MRSA admissions going up.The unnecessary usage of antibiotics contributes to the resistance shown by MRSA bacteria in recent years.
The study also serves to remind everyone of the necessity of hygiene for good health.

Health Uncle:Cuts and Scrapes

If you have a cut or scrape,it's more important than ever to treat it.The potentially fatal staph infection MRSA is more pervasive now.MRSA kills about 19,000 people a year,out of around 94,000 infected.A MRSA infection may look like a boil or bug bite at first.Any unusual-looking infection needs immediate medical attention.MRSA often affects athletes and students because it is spread through skin contact.The staph bacteria that cause it are resistant to most antibiotics.Wounds should be cleaned and covered,and kept a close watch on.If they get sore and red,consider seeing your doctor about them very soon.