MRSA Panic Unwarranted

We physicians can be the voices of reason. We can reassure our patients about MRSA while giving them practical advice on how to avoid it and the danger signs if they do become infected. This includes such common-sense measures as frequent hand washing, which of course helps prevent influenza and other infectious diseases that kill far more people than MRSA does.

Physicians who work with athletes or athletic teams can help by offering players practical advice that includes wiping the last person's sweat off equipment with antiseptic solutions such as diluted Clorox before using it themselves, not sharing towels, giving prompt attention to skin wounds, and practicing general good hygiene. The CDC has an excellent MRSA site that you can recommend to patients: www.cdc.gov/features/mrsainschools

The newly reported CDC data provide us with important benchmark information about the prevalence of MRSA invasive disease in the United States, so that public health professionals can begin making recommendations about how best to minimize recurrent or serious disease using logical and practical tools.

Recognition of the early signs of systemic infection and prompt intervention are the keys.

We have multiple antibiotics that still effectively treat even the scariest strains.

Other simple strategies of infection control and hygiene can reduce risks, too. Rarely if ever will these strategies include fumigating or shutting down schools.

And let's keep in mind: Panic is not a practical tool.