Just as flu season is about to start we hear about a new “drug resistant superbug” in the news today.
The bacteria were found in three patients in California, Massachusetts and Illinois; a couple of cases were reported in Canada. All cases involved patients who got treated in India. The article implied it was a stomach type bug, that causes diarrhea or urinary tract infections. The bacteria were resistant to widely used antibiotics and the CDC warned that patients who may have caught the bacteria be placed in isolation. See Fox news “UPDATE: New Drug-Resistant Superbugs Found in 3 States” http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/09/14/update-new-drug-resistant-superbugs-states/
I worry that this types of bacteria can easily spread as people travel by plane all over the world. The only two recommendations found in the article were:
-Wash your hands. The bacteria are known to spread via hand to mouth.
-Don’t take antibiotics if you don’t need it, in viral infections, as you body becomes immune to antibiotics the more often you take them.
I am not a doctor, but common sense tells me that we should all try to keep our body’s resistance strong by eating right, taking vitamins, getting enough exercise, and taking care of ourselves the first sign of any illness. And, this is all the more reason to stock up on supplies such as flu and diarrhea medicines, food, toilet paper, water, antibacterial wipes and other commonly used items so you can avoid having to run to the store if you get sick.
Scary Stuff! I think your right about keeping our bodies strong through what we eat. Every little thing you can do to build up your immune system helps.
One thing I’ve read we shouldn’t do….is using a lot of things like hand sanitizers on a regular basis. Apparently if we use them too much we don’t get exposed to anything, and our bodies never get the chance to build up a resistance to normal everyday bacterias, etc. Then when a strong bug does hit us, we have even less immunity.
Stocking up on meds is always a good idea, going out spreads cooties and let’s face it, who wants to go out when you feel crummy?
Exercise is also great for boosting immunity. The healthier you are in general, the better your immune function will work when you need it.
Things to help with flu – search Vitamin D and flu – also, germicidal UV lite – kills e.coli, viruses, bacteria, even bed bugs. I use a 12 inch 8 watt where I chop vegetables – last prep step, leave food on cutting board, turn on lite for 30 seconds and use. (UV can “sunburn” you eyes if stare for “long” periods of times) Costco (online) carries a two pack mini wand for under 40 bucks.
Also, for cleaning surfaces, search “acidic bleach solution” combining vinegar and bleach kills everything from anthrax to Ebola –
I started taking Vitamin D and it does help. Had not heard about the germicidal UV lite, and the bleach/vinegar combination — will look them up. These are great ideas for disinfecting.