MRSA Dangers in the Gym

MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a staph infection resistant to drugs.  Many people have visited people in the hospital or nursing home and been met with a sign at the door to use a glove, mask, and gown to protect one’s self from contracting the dangerous infection, but now MRSA can lurk in the world outside the hospital in places like your local gym.  The New York Giant’s tight end, Daniel Fells, contracted MRSA from the gym and lost part of his foot, which may prevent him from playing football ever again.  With the too common use of antibiotics to treat everything, infections like MRSA have become more and more resistant to antibiotics and the resistant bacteria can be anywhere where that is skin-to-skin contact, shared equipment, or crowding. 

To protect yourself from anti-biotic resistant bacteria take precautions such as covering your exposed skin by wearing pants and long sleeves and any cuts with Band-Aids or dressings.  Also, you can try to keep your contact with equipment limited and/or utilize disinfectant sprays or wipes to clean off areas you will be using.  You can also take a shower or wash your hands with soap and water after coming in contact with anything that might be suspected to be contaminated.  If you do develop swelling, redness, pimples with pain, abscesses, and skin infections, be sure to contact your medical provider immediately to be sure you do not have a dangerous MRSA infection. 

At Inserra & Kelley Law Offices we strive to keep you informed so that you can live your life to the fullest, safe and healthy. We will update you regularly on dangerous products, health hazards, safety hazards, and the like so stay tuned!