Expert QA

Can I catch MRSA bacteria at the gym?

From the Editors of Live Right Live Well

While there haven’t been any reports of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) outbreaks at exercise facilities, it is possible to contract it while working out. This type of staph bacteria is frequently passed through skin-to-skin contact; sharing items, such as towels and bandages; and handling frequently touched surfaces, such as weight-training equipment, says Jeff Hageman, an epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MRSA is resistant to antibiotics, making it more difficult to treat. In addition, serious complications, such as pneumonia and blood or bone infections are possible, though rare.

However, most MRSA infections are minor and treatable, and fear of MRSA should not keep you from going to the gym. Exercise is important, and gyms are safe when you take proper precautions. MRSA is most often transmitted through small cuts and breaks in the skin, which allow the bacteria to enter and cause infection, resulting in sores or boils that may be red, swollen or full of pus. So bandage any cuts or sores before you head to the gym; wash hands thoroughly after exercise with liquid hand soap or use an alcohol-based hand rub; shower immediately after your workout; bring a towel from home, and don’t share it with a buddy; and be sure to wash your towel and exercise clothing after each use.

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	<h2>Expert QA</h2>
<h1>Can I catch MRSA bacteria at the gym? </h1>
<p>

<p>From the Editors of <em><a href="http://www.liverightlivewell.com">Live Right Live Well</a></em></p>
</p>

<img src="http://www.liverightlivewell.com/partner/content/worldnow-ftp/archive/2010-07-05/expertqa/workingout/images/large.jpg" width="181" height="212" alt="Can I catch MRSA bacteria at the gym? "/>
	<p>While there haven’t been any reports of MRSA (methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus) outbreaks at exercise facilities, it is possible
to contract it while working out. This type of staph bacteria is
frequently passed through skin-to-skin contact; sharing items, such as
towels and bandages; and handling frequently touched surfaces, such as
weight-training equipment, says Jeff Hageman, an epidemiologist with
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MRSA is resistant to
antibiotics, making it more difficult to treat. In addition, serious
complications, such as pneumonia and blood or bone infections are
possible, though rare.</p>
<p>However, most MRSA infections are minor and treatable, and fear of
MRSA should not keep you from going to the gym. Exercise is important,
and gyms are safe when you take proper precautions. MRSA is most often
transmitted through small cuts and breaks in the skin, which allow the
bacteria to enter and cause infection, resulting in sores or boils that
may be red, swollen or full of pus. So bandage any cuts or sores before
you head to the gym; wash hands thoroughly after exercise with liquid
hand soap or use an alcohol-based hand rub; shower immediately after
your workout; bring a towel from home, and don’t share it with a buddy;
and be sure to wash your towel and exercise clothing after each use.</p>
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