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Posted By Joe Ridley
Hi there,
I was wondering if anyone else was aware of an article in the Metro newspaper about MRSA in leisure centres. If so do you happen to know who undertook this test and why? There is no information on who carried out the test. As I work for a leisure based company you may understand my concerns here.
Cheers
Joe
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Posted By Jez Corfield
Hello Joe,
I have not seen the Metro - but this point (MRSA being transferred on gym equipment) originates from the US, I have very recently seen something on this on the BUPA website about MRSA.
If I recall the suggestion is to wipe gym equipment before/after use and/or use a towel - I supose the chance of catching MRSA is very low, but the precautions are sensible, even if it is to prevent the spread of other 'contact' infections, as well as MRSA.
Jez
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Posted By Jez Corfield
Found the BUPA website: 'http://www.bupa.co.uk/intercom/asp/news/health03.asp.
It says:
'People have been worried that they could become infected with MRSA at their local gym because some equipment is shared. To minimise any potential risk, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest wiping any equipment before and after use, using a barrier (such as a clean towel or clothing) to prevent your skin touching it and showering after your workout.'
The US CDC has some interesting stuff on community based MRSA: http://www.cdc.gov/ncido...ESIST/ca_mrsa_public.htm
Jez
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Posted By Joe Ridley
Hi there,
Paul, the article I am referring to is specific to the leisure industry the full story reads
"Record levels of the deadly superbug MRSA have been found in leisure Centres throughout Scotland.
Tests revealed how widespread the bug - previously detected only in hospitals - has become in the community.
Out od 24 swabs taken at eight leisure centres, 20 tested positive for the infection which claims thousands of lives each year. Traces of MRSA were found on babychanging tables, locker rooms and cafe tables.
The highest reading was from a female locker in the Beach Leisure Centre in Aberdeen. Positive results were also found at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh; Scotstoun Leisure Centre, Glasgow and the Dollan Aqua Centre, East Kilbride.
MRSA expert Dr Christopher Malyszewicz said the bug can live on the surface of a persons' skin for up to seven days, or grow into the skin and last even longer, contaminating everything the person touches.
He added 'at present rates, I can see the whole British public being colonised within the next five to ten years. It means any that any attempts to keep the bug out of hospitals are doomed to failure"
There could be an element of scaremongering here, but anyone reading this may think twice before visiting a leisure centre. I am still looking for the origin of the report and who carried it out. If I find out I will let you know.
Cheers
Joe
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Posted By peter gotch
There probably IS a bit of scaremongering here.
The Dr was the founder of Chemsol Chemical Solutions Consultancy (UK) Ltd 'Chemsol' according to their website, so..........
Peter
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Posted By jackw.
Hi. Seems to me like another piece of irresponsible journalism. Stop going to Leisure centres!! Because the MRSA bug was found. Where does this stop. Do we stop using public transport in case the person next to you is one of the 30% plus carriers or they have TB or Hep B,C. What about going to restaurants, cafes, pubs clubs etc.
Lets not pander to this scare mongering by poorly informed media, newspapers etc. looking for a cheap headline. Of course one could potentially catch it in a leisure centre the same as in any public setting. Me I am still going to my local gym. I figure the health risks of a life in isolation; no exercise etc. is far more damaging to my long-term health then the risk of MRSA etc..
As a rule I practise good hygiene in most if not all settings. That’s the key to preventing the spread of MRSA etc. etc. not living in a bubble
Apologise for the rant but I am getting fed up with this sort of nonsense being taken so seriously esp by professional people who should know better!!!
“don’t forget to wash your hands after”!!!!!
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Posted By Merv Newman
Do you think that the London Olympic Committee are aware of this problem ? What precautions for protecting athletes and spectators from MRSA have they included in their bid ?
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Posted By Lynne Ratcliffe
There is a lot of scaremongering by people (drugs companies) who are out to make money from fear for units other than hospitals 'catching' MRSA.
I have been advised that following surgery four months ago I am now colonised! I am hoping that this does not mean ostracised or isolated from the community. Colonised is to be one of the 30% that carry Staph A in high numbers, but not necessary MR.
I have been advised to ensure that I wash my hands, have my own towel and when undertaking first aid duties wear gloves. these are all precautions that we should take anyway but we all become complacent on personal hygiene.
When entering communal leisure centres etc I should take a shower before and after again using my own towel.
Again these are precautions that we should all take at every juncture, as I was taught back in the dark ages as a Brownie!
The only 'do not' that I have been given is visiting my father-in-law who has MRSA in case I catch it(?) And when visiting my mother-in-law (diagnosed with breast cancer) to use alcohol hand wash, wear cotton gloves and a mask (only as she is to have surgery in weeks few).
So if all of us take the hand wash and hygiene rules that we know seriously the problem will be better for us all.
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Posted By John Webster
Scare-mongering indeed. Who needs terrorist threats when our own journalists can do just as good a job of frightening the public - this time into boycotting leisure centres!
Of course MRSA is all around us, as are all the other bacteria we live with, and live with us, every day. Once in a while, some bacteria get into places we dont want them to do, like in our food or into wounds and we suffer the consequences.
An MRSA infection is no harder or easier to catch than any other similar wound infection. The difference is that it is harder to treat because it is resistant to common antibiotics.
In hospitals, there is a high risk of infection simply because people are sick, and having things picked into them or being cut open. We also put them next to each other and have them visited by a constant stream of doctors and nurses.
Prevention is always better than cure, but over the years everyone has become complacent over basic hygiene simply because the cure was so easy. Now its not, so its back to basics and the emphasis on hand washing.
Doctors & Nurses are being re-educated, but will the public also get the message?
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Posted By Jez Corfield
JackW
I cant but feel that you are missing the point of this thread - someone who works in the leisure industry has a great deal to fear if people start staying away - so whilst advice to maintain personal hygiene is basic stuff for H&S practitioners - it might actually be very useful and helpful information to pass on to members of the public, who might otherwise do something 'crazy' and act upon something they have seen in a newspaper.
Jez
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Posted By Lynne Ratcliffe
Hi Again,
Being in the incidious position of being 'a carrier' i am obviously concerned. I have taken advice and opinions and it all comes back to being a Brownie and going to camp for the first time (back in 196?)!
Personal hygiene is the greatest protector.
If I go to a leisure centre I must ensure that if I pass body fluids (enough already!) onto a surface that I (or some unfortunate person) wipe down with simple alcohol wipes the area affected.
The best 'defence' is all persons must showere prior to using any facilities and shower after - no problem!
Cleaners routines should be inspected to ensure that there are no 'black' areas around handles, knobs and bolts etc.
To quote my old Grannie "Cleanliness is next to Godliness"
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