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Several months ago I participated in a webinar with Grant Hill and Clorox about the dangers of MRSA, particularly in schools and locker rooms. I enjoyed the call, received a lot of information and my son got a signed Grant Hill basketball out of the deal. Little did I know that this weekend I would be digging that information back out because my son had acquired MRSA, probably during conditioning for high school basketball.
Jared had a spot on his ankle that looked like a small boil one day and the next was red, pussy, warm to the touch and had smaller pustules next to it. We took him to the ER (we were out of town for the 4th) where they had to cut and drain the large and smaller places on his ankle (suffice it to say, I almost passed out and it was horrible to see my baby in so much pain). They sent the “discharge” for culture and started him on antibiotics. He will be fine, although he has had some fever, developed a double ear infection and just doesn’t feel good. But, this has definitely been a scary experience!
Here are some facts about MRSA (courtesy of Clorox):
What is MRSA and how is it spread?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, infections acquired in the community are skin infections that may appear as pustules or boils that are often red, swollen and painful, or have pus or other drainage. These skin infections commonly occur where there are cuts or abrasions, and on areas of the body covered by hair.1 Although serious MRSA disease is still predominantly related to exposures in hospital or health care settings, infections outside health care settings are increasing.2
MRSA is usually transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with shared items or surfaces that have come into contact with someone else’s infection (e.g., dirty towels, used bandages).1 Therefore, practicing both good personal hygiene and disinfection of items and surfaces are important in prevention of the spread of MRSA.
MRSA is fond of locker rooms, gyms and teen boys and girls involved in sports are at particular risk. Please educate your child about this and educate yourself so you can recognize it and get them treatment right away! And, if you think about it say a prayer for my Jared until this nasty infection clears up!
