We've had threads about superbugs here before, but I was sobered to read this article in Der Spiegel:
http://tinyurl.com/839ctcb.It appears that these antibiotic-resistant bugs are not only prevalent in hospitals, nursing homes and Third World countries ... but now they are even at your local gym and fitness center. As one who works out several days a week at my rec center, I have ALWAYS eschewed the exercise mats. I just do floor-work at home, period. I even bring my own towel (why pay a dollar to use their's?). But I do use the pool, shower at the facility, and of course touch all the disgusting, flora-coated equipment and free weights. Um, ew.
The article says: "The bacteria are transmitted via the skin, through towels, clothing or direct body contact. All it takes is a small abrasion to provide them with access to a victim's bloodstream. Festering pustules develop at the infection site, at which point the pathogens are also capable of corroding the lungs. If doctors wait too long, patients can die very quickly."
It appears that the best defense in a public exercise facility is to bring your own towel, be mindful of where your fingers are going (eyes, nose, mouth), and try not to be in such a place with an open wound. Even a papercut should be covered with a bandaid.
What also grabbed my attention in this article was the observation:
"Take, for example, a person who is having surgery and requires artificial respiration and receives a venous or urinary catheter," explains Petra Gastmeier, director of the Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine at Berlin's Charité Hospital. "In such a case, the resistant intestinal bacteria can enter the lungs, the bloodstream and the bladder."
If any of you guys have surgery that requires intubation or catheterization (such as I had for my Vaser lipo in 2009 and the whole body work done in 2004) it is something to think about. Although I'm not sure there is a whole lot one can do to ensure the bug-free environment of the operating room. It almost makes me want to postpone my next surgery ... to the 12th of NEVER.
I Bug U
