MRSA “Superbug” Found on West Coast Beaches

September 15, 2009 03:30 PM, Courtesy of Denis Cummings

Drug-resistant staph bacteria similar to the strains found in hospitals have been detected on beaches in Washington state, surprising researchers who believed there was no chance of finding the “superbug” there.

 

Researchers found staph bacteria in water and sand samples at nine of the 10 Washington state beaches they studied from February to September 2008. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a drug-resistant strain, was found in five of the beaches.

Staph bacteria “have long been known to be found in sand and salt water,” according to MedPage Today, but researchers were surprised to find drug-resistant bacteria. Researcher Dr. Marilyn Roberts of the University of Washington said the strains “looked more like hospital-acquired MRSA strains than the bacteria typically found in the community.”

MRSA had previously been discovered on a beach in South Florida by a University of Miami study released in February. Though just over 1 percent of water samples taken by bathers contained drug-resistant staph, researcher Lisa Plano described it as “particularly virulent.”

The Washington researchers did not known the source of the MRSA, noting that none of the beaches were near hospitals. The Miami researchers speculated that MRSA was transported to the beach by bathers. Further research is needed to determine whether MRSA can incubate in sand and salt water.

Both teams of researchers say that the beach should not be avoided. They advised beachgoers to take several precautions, such as showering afterwards and bandaging any scrapes.

Swine Flu & The Proactive Backpack

The school bell is about to ring!

In a very short time kids, young adults and adults will be flooding the hallways of schools, colleges and universities around North America.  It’s an exciting time for many!

• New clothes,
• New books,
• New teachers,
• New friends
• And exposure to H1N1…SWINE FLU!

What can we do to protect ourselves and our families?  Get armed with the best information and the right tools!

When you understand the opponent, then you will know how to protect and defend you and your family from it.  Here’s what you need to know; The Center for Disease Control (CDC) posted the following Q&A segme

nt on their website giving more insight to SWINE FLU or H1N1

Is novel H1N1 virus contagious?
CDC has determined that novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

How does novel H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

Now that you know a little more about what you are fighting and how it is spread, it is time to arm yourself and your family.

BE PROACTIVE!

Schools gearing up for a new year are working hard to improve germ control and sanitation standards.  It’s not enough to depend on our schools to clean.  Our families need to be prepared and proactive when it comes to fighting the war on Swine Flu!

You and your family should arm themselves by carrying the proper H1N1 surface and hand sanitizers.  The CDC recommends fighting this germ in the following way:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze – Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

MAKE VIRAGUARD YOUR GERM FIGHTING ALLI – HERE’S WHY…

Kill bad bacteria, germs and disease with Viraguard. Veridien’s patented Viraguard® formulation kills harmful infectious pathogens in clinical, residential and industrial environments, while not harming those who use our products. This formulation is environmentally compatible and a highly effective solution for the disinfection of hard inanimate surfaces. The Viraguard® formulation is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a hard surface disinfectant. Sold in several convenient forms, Viraguard® provides multiple ways to kill bacteria and germs, and protects against the transmission of disease by killing the pathogens responsible for spread of Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, Influenza (flu), Tuberculosis (TB), Athletes Foot and other Fungus, MRSA, VRE, and other forms of bacteria and virus.

Viraguard® hand antiseptic products are drug listed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in sanitizing hands when soap and water are not available, and kill bad bacteria and germs from hands.

The patented Viraguard® formulation utilizes Isopropanol (Isopropyl Alcohol) in its optimum concentration, combined with other ingredients, to meet both EPA and FDA requirements, without the need for harmful or residue producing chemicals such as Quaternary Ammonium, Phenols, Chlorine, or Glutaraldehyde. A mild citrus scent makes Viraguard® disinfectant ideal for use in hospitals, private practice offices, ambulances, police, fire and paramedic vehicles, nursing homes and anywhere that disinfection and antisepsis is critical. Viraguard® hard surface disinfectants are available in liquid and wipes packages, providing multiple ways to kill bacteria and germs. Viraguard® antiseptic hand cleanser is available in fresh scented hand wipes and hand gel, as well as three fruit scented and original scent non-aerosol hand sprays.

And Just How Clean is YOUR Cell Phone?

We spend a good portion of our days communicating.  We call people, listen to and respond to voice mail, and we text all from our handy dandy cell phone.  Do you know what else we can do from our cell phones?  Get sick!

Recently doctors and infectious disease specialists found MULTIPLE strands of germs and bacteria on 95% of cell phones tested.

Just think of all the things your cell phone comes in contact with throughout the day:

• Various surfaces
• Inside pockets and purses
  
• Make-up
• Saliva
• Oils
• Bacteria
• Stray pieces of lunch and other debris
  

Since we use our cell phones frequently and they come in CLOSE contact with our face and mouth, prolonged use of an unsanitary cell phone could result in:

• acne
  
• infections including Staph, Meningitis, e-Coli, MRSA and Flu

Buzz word:  Flu…what about the Swine Flu?  Wonder if I can contract it through a grimy cell phone???

Hmmmm.  I’m not taking any chances…think I’ll pick up some disinfectant right away….COME SHOPPING WITH ME!

Keeping It Straight: Pandemic, Pandemic Phases, Epidemic

What does all the Pandemic hype mean?  How do you stay healthy? I’ve got answers for you!  It’s important for you to know what you are dealing with in common terms.

PANDEMIC: as defined by Wikipedia; an epidemic of infectious disease that spreads through populations across a large region; for instance a continent, or even worldwide.

The World Health Organization has six phases of pandemic alert to assess the potential for a new global flu outbreak.

- Phase 1. There are no viruses circulating in animals that have been reported to cause infections in humans.

- Phase 2. An animal flu virus has caused infections in humans in the past and is considered to be a potential pandemic threat.

- Phase 3. An animal or mixed animal-human virus has caused occasional cases or small clusters of disease, but the virus does not spread easily. The world is currently in phase 3, with H5N1 bird flu viruses sporadically infecting humans and occasionally spreading from human to human.

- Phase 4. The new virus can cause sustained outbreaks and is adapting itself to human spread.

- Phase 5. The virus has spread into at least two countries and is causing even bigger outbreaks.

- Phase 6. More outbreaks in at least two regions of the world; the pandemic is under way.

If the World Health Organization raises its pandemic alert level to 4 or 5, that means that the swine flu virus is spreading between humans. If the level rises to 4 or 5, governments should get their pandemic preparedness plans ready and increase detection systems for potential cases.

The CDC offers the following advice to stay healthy:

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

• Stay informed. This website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection
(As of M

ay

4, 2009, 6:58 PM ET)
Laboratory confirmed cases by State

Alabama 4

Arizona 17

California 30

Colorado 7

Connecticut 2

Delaware 20

Florida 5

Idaho 1

Illinois 8

Indiana 3

Iowa 1

Kansas 2

Kentucky* 1

Louisiana 7

Maryland 4

Massachusetts 6

Michigan 2

Minnesota 1

Missouri 1

Nebraska 1

Nevada 1

New Hampshire 1

New Jersey 7

New Mexico 1

New York 73

North Carolina 1

Ohio 3

Oregon 3

Pennsylvania 1

Rhode Island 1

South Carolina 15

Tennessee 1

Texas 41

Utah 1

Virginia 3

Wisconsin 3

TOTAL (36) 279 cases 1 death

How Are You Fighting Swine Flu?

Have questions about Swine Flu?  I have answers!  Some of the most popular questions have been:

What is Swine Flu?

The current outbreak of what is being called “Swine Flu” is actually a hybrid Influenza type A, consisting of:

• Human Influenza type A
• Swine Influenza type A
• and Avian Influenza type A

More specifically the CDC has identified the most current outbreak as an H1N1 form of the virus, very similar to the characteristics of the Swine Flu we have seen before in North America.

The EPA has previously stated, with respect to concerns about the spread of Avian Influenza into the human population, that approved hospital disinfectants that have demonstrated an efficacy against Human Influenza type A, would be suitable for an outbreak of any type A Influenza, whether it is from solely human sources or a combination of human and animal sources.

How is Swine Flu spread?

The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can
happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of
people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then
touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands.

What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

Swine influenza A virus infection (swine flu) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches,
headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. People with swine flu also can
have vomiting and diarrhea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.Severe disease with pneumonia, respiratory failure and even death is possible with swine flu infection. Certain groups might be more likely to develop a severe illness from swine flu infection, such as persons with chronic medical conditions. Sometimes bacterial infections may occur at the same
time as or after infection with influenza viruses and lead to pneumonias, ear infections, or sinus infections

How can I protect myself and my family from Swine Flu?

The CDC is recommending the use of only hand sanitizers which contain alcohol as the primary active ingredient.

The EPA has previously stated, with respect to concerns about the spread of Avian Influenza into the human population, that approved hospital disinfectants that have demonstrated an efficacy against Human Influenza type A, would be suitable for an outbreak of any type A Influenza, whether it is from solely human sources or a combination of human and animal sources.

Viraguard® Hospital Disinfectant / Cleaner & Instrument Presoak, as well as Viraguard® Hospital Surface Disinfectant Towelette, both carry an accepted label that attests to efficacy against Influenza type A, both with regard to US product registered with the US EPA,

With regard to the disinfection of surfaces in the home, the CDC is recommending the use of a household disinfectant.  Viraguard® is recognized by the EPA as being an effective hard surface disinfectant for use in health care settings (hospitals, medical offices, ambulances), as well as the home and the workplace.

SHOP NOW TO PROTECT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TODAY!

PLEASE HELP – VOTE TRINITY

http://myfoxtampabay.varsitynetworks.com/

Hi everyone! Please help us make Trinity Elementary School “Cool School of the Week” on Fox 13 (click on link above).

VOTE TRINITY ELEMENTARY, New Port Richey, FL
VOTE EARLY
VOTE OFTEN – Please vote as many times as you can before 11pm tonight.
http://myfoxtampabay.varsitynetworks.com/
Thanks!

When Do YOU Use Hand Sanitizer?

When do you pull out your sanitizer?

When you:

• Touch a door handle
• Press the elevator button
• Put your hand on the escalator rail
• All of the above?

You might think of doing just that after learning about MRSA and where it lives.  MRSA is

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.  It is an infection that can lead to other harmful infections such as wound infections, lung infections and blood poisoning.  MRSA is also more commonly known as a staph infection.

Methicillin is the agent used to treat the infection in most cases.

Important MRSA Facts to know:

• MRSA Infections are contracted once the bacteria enters the body
• MRSA enters the body through open wounds or eating or drinking something that has been touched by someone who has the bacteria
• It’s more harmful to very young children or older people with weak immune systems.
• MRSA can be spread without easily being detected
• Normal skin tissue usually doesn’t allow for a MRSA infection to develop
• Skin with cuts, abrasions or conditions like psoriasis are more susceptible to the infection

Common Places MRSA exists:

• Hospitals
• Schools
• Gyms/Health Clubs
• Tattoo Parlors
• Dentist Offices
• Day Care Centers
• Public Restrooms

Best Ways To Avoid MRSA:

• Keep you and your surroundings clean and sanitized
• Become a germaphobe
• Use hand sanitizer
• Use surface disinfectants

Visit:  www.BuyVeridien.com to for MRSA killing hand sanitizers and surface disinfectants!

How Clean Is Your Hospital?

Did you know that hospital acquired infection rates are on the rise?  Canadian researchers found significant increases when it comes to bacterial infections including MRSA, VRE and C. difficile.  The study was published in the December issue of the American Journal of Infection Control,and targeted acute care hospitals.  Researchers found that the rates of MRSA more than doubled in the period.  C. difficile infections also tended to rise over the same period, while the number of hospitals reporting new cases of infection with VRE climbed 77 per cent.

So what’s a hospital to do?  Arm itself against the spread of these harmful bacterium!  Three steps to improving conditions in public places to cut down on the spread of MRSA, VRE, C. difficile, Hepatitis A, B, C and more are:

1. Be vigilant about washing your hands
2. Disinfect and sterilize with the appropriate disinfectants
3. Spread awareness

This just isn’t a hospital problem, by the way.  These problems are also found in:

• Schools
• Daycare Centers
• Dr. Offices
• Dentist Offices
• Tattoo Parlors
• Piercing Parlors
• Public Restrooms
• Gyms & Health Clubs

The best defense in a great offense.  Learn more about how you can protect you and your family now!

Get Defensive Aids NOW

Viraguard…What’s Left Behind?

Viraguard dries residue free.  Simply spray or wipe your surfaces and equipment and allow it to evaporate.  The surface will be dry and residue free.

All other products leave behind residue from quaternary ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, glutaraldehydes or phenols that can alter the results of testing due to accidental contact.

Viraguard has no persistent fumes that can lead to substandard work environments, aggravated allergies, or trigger migraines.  Viraguard has an initial odor of alcohol that dissipates quickly.  Quats, bleach, phenols and glutaraldehydes have lingering odors that can trigger a variety of healthy issues.

Viraguard is safe on all medical surfaces and equipment (stainless steel, Titanium, aluminum, glass, plastics, Buna rubber, Teflon, nylon, vinyl and more).

Quats, bleaches, phenols, gluteraldehydes, and hydrogen peroxide all leave behind residues that eventually damage equipment surfaces or cause long term build up of residues.

Viraguard is used all across North America on centrifuges, insulin pumps, bed frames, dialysis equipment, MRI machines, x-ray and dental equipment.

Buy Veriden Products NOW

 

Viraguard Efficacy!

Check out how effective Viraguard is…

The Viraguard formula kills Hepatitis A, B, and C.  Hepatitis C is blood borne and you CANNOT be immunized against it.

Viraguard is the only family of Infection control Products that have combined kills on Hepatitis A, B and C, MRSA, VRE and tuberculosis in ONE FORMULA! 

OSHA Inspectors are advising medical facilities to only use broad spectrum disinfectants and wipes that kill Hepatitis and MRSA.

No other products can match Viraguard’s kill claims without using quaternary ammonias, gluteraldehydes, bleach or phenois, all of which leave behind HARMFUL residues.

Viraguard contains high level of emollients that leave your hands soft and smooth.  The more you use Viraguard, the SOFTER and SMOOTHER they get! 

Your hands will not dry, crack or chaff when using Viraguard.

The same hand friendly Viraguard formula is used in Viraguard’s hand antiseptics and our surface disinfectants.  NO GLOVES REQUIRED!

No sticky residue means faster re-gloving!  Viraguard hand sprays and hand foams leave no sticky residue the way gels do. 

SHOP NOW