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GAPA Warns Georgians of the Dangers Behind MRSA
Atlanta, GA (06/17/2009) – With sports seasons getting underway, parents are preparing for their child athlete´s bumps and bruises. But physician assistants across the state of Georgia are informing their patients to be aware of how a little bump or scrape can turn into something more serious.
"MRSA is a staph infection," explained Devon Jackoniski, PA-C, of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Jackoniski is the public education chair for the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants. "The difference between MRSA and other infection is that MRSA is called a ´superbug,´ and is resistant to many of the more commonly used antibiotics."
MRSA is typically contracted by physical contact. People with weaker immune systems are the most susceptible, particularly people that have spent time in a hospital or nursing home. "However, there is what we call a Community-Associated MRSA," explained Jackoniski. "CA-MRSA skin infections are generally found within normally healthy people living in close quarters – such as team players sharing a locker room."
It is because of this, and with school sports are gearing up for another season, that GAPA members are urging their patients to be aware of MRSA symptoms. "Usually, you´ll notice boils or pimples on your skin, or another abnormality such as cellulitis – it can be a minor infection," Jackoniski said. "If left untreated, it can become a serious problem, infecting the blood stream." Jackoniski suggests that if you or your child have been in close contact with others, and have noticed any abnormalities in the skin´s appearance, you should contact a medical professional immediately for an evaluation.
A special training session on MRSA treatment will be on the top of GAPA members´ minds at the 34th annual CME convention and exhibition, held July 13 through 17 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. General session topics include diabetes, breast and colon cancers, women´s health issues, and, one of the more popular sessions, "derm boot camp." Other workshops include suturing techniques, chest X-rays, and casting and splinting. It won´t be all work and no play, though, as there will be a fun run and walk on July 15 beginning at 7 AM, as well as a blood drive beginning at 10 AM on the 15th.
It is the mission of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants to promote high quality, cost-effective, accessible health care as part of a physician-directed PA/physician team in Georgia. To learn more health tips or how PAs make health care more affordable and accessible in Georgia, please visit www.GAPA.net and click on "Patients."
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July 19 - 23, 2010
Sandestin
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February 2 - 4, 2011
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Cobb Galleria Centre
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