Stark County Health Department

HEALTH NEWS

MRSA and Staph Infections

Staphylococcus aureus , also called “staph”, is a common bacteria that can be found on the skin or in the nose of a healthy person. Staph bacteria can also cause the most common types of skin infections, including pimples and boils. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of staph infection that is resistant to certain antibiotics. MRSA can cause serious skin and soft tissue infections. The links below provide more detailed information about the prevention and control of MRSA and other staph infections. For additional information, please call 330-493-9928, ext. 287.

MRSA information from the Ohio Department of Health (http://www.odh.ohio.gov/alerts/mrsa1.aspx)

MRSA information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html)

“Don’t Catch the Flu”

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Every year on average in the United States 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and about 36,000 people die from the flu. Persons usually become infected by touching something an infected person has touched and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Presently, there are two confirmed cases of influenza documented in Stark County. So, it is time for everyone to exercise some personal hygiene practices so you don’t catch the flu. One of the most important things that a person can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands. It is most important to wash your hands:

Before, during, and after you prepare food
Before you eat, and after you use the bathroom
After handling animals or animal waste
When your hands are dirty, and more frequently when someone is sick in your home
It is important to correctly wash your hands. First, wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap to the hands. Place the bar soap on a rack and allow it to drain. Next rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces.
Continue for 10 - 15 seconds or about the length of a little tune. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.
Rinse well and dry your hands.

In addition to vigilant hand washing, persons with symptoms should:

C - Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
A – Air promotes good ventilation
T – Touching eyes, nose, and contaminated surfaces spreads germs
C - Clean surfaces frequently with sanitizer
H – Handwash frequently, especially after sneezing, coughing, or touching contaminated surfaces. Dry hands thoroughly

The department will be offering flu shots as long as influenza is circulating. Please call (330) 493-9914 ext 241 to make an appointment. Be healthy and don’t catch the flu.

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Upper Respiratory Infections

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