The newest I have read of is antimicrobial athletic equipment and turf for athletes and an amazing fabric conditioner that can be added to the wash cycle that makes what is washed with it resistant to microbes for 60 washes according to Rod Walters, PHD, director of sports medicine at the University of South Carolina. No mention was made in the article about how to acquire this conditioner, but I am researching it. I’d be glad to hear if anyone out there knows how to obtain it! But still, good old fashion thorough hand washing is still the best defense!!

If you are new to my site or to MRSA, I would like to repeat that everyone is at risk for this disease. MRSA is a resistant staph infection that can easily be contracted in numerous ways. It listed as an STD and can be transmitted by needle sharing but don’t let that make you think it is as easy to avoid as AIDS. MRSA microbes live on the skin so it can be passed by any close contact which is what makes it a growing problem among athletes. The microbes are most concentrated in the nose, so if someone carrying MRSA touches their nose and then anything else, the microbe can live on a hard surface for at least 24 hours and it can penetrate healthy, unbroken skin. The carrier isn’t always even ill with the disease. I have read that half or more of the people in the health field are already carriers and as much as one in ten of the general public.

So wash, wash, wash your hands and make use of hand sterilizing hand gels when you can’t wash. Never forget that the whole world is involved in this war and that the United States is under direct attack. Illinois and Texas currently have bills presenting preventative measures for hospitals to be enforced and expect more and more states to follow suit as this country gets over the idea of being afraid of causing panic and realizes it is beyond time to panic. Fear is a good thing if it saves your life!! So be afraid, be very afraid!