MRSA clarifications
Posted: Wednesday, November 14, 2007
SIOUX CITY -- Nick Hytrek’s article on wrestling and MRSA (“Grappling with Staph”) was informational and brought attention to the public. It reminds students as well as parents to be aware of an ever-growing problem with contact sports. The article gave good tips on how to help prevent MRSA. However, I found a few errors in stating the facts involving MRSA.
As a college student currently enrolled in a microbiology class, I have been studying bacteria and its resistance to antibiotics. In the article, the author states that “it is not possible to get MRSA through the air like a cold.” Actually, MRSA can be spread through the air if a person has MRSA pneumonia and is coughing, although it is not likely. Another statement that caught my eye was when the article stated “the only way to know what bacteria is causing any type of infection is for a medical professional to test the drainage from the wound.” To add to that, the medical professional can also test the blood or urine and send it to a lab where the lab grows the bacteria and sees what antibiotics kill them.
Nick’s article covered some main issues involving MRSA and I wanted to clarify a few misconceptions. Bringing MRSA to the public’s attention is important in reducing the increase of MRSA cases especially in sports. -- Kelli Schreier
As a college student currently enrolled in a microbiology class, I have been studying bacteria and its resistance to antibiotics. In the article, the author states that “it is not possible to get MRSA through the air like a cold.” Actually, MRSA can be spread through the air if a person has MRSA pneumonia and is coughing, although it is not likely. Another statement that caught my eye was when the article stated “the only way to know what bacteria is causing any type of infection is for a medical professional to test the drainage from the wound.” To add to that, the medical professional can also test the blood or urine and send it to a lab where the lab grows the bacteria and sees what antibiotics kill them.
Nick’s article covered some main issues involving MRSA and I wanted to clarify a few misconceptions. Bringing MRSA to the public’s attention is important in reducing the increase of MRSA cases especially in sports. -- Kelli Schreier
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Rhoda wrote on Nov 15, 2007 5:47 AM:
ConcernedToo wrote on Nov 14, 2007 9:35 AM: