MRSA is a super-scary, drug-resistant staph infection, and even Peyton Manning suffered, as I reported recently. MRSA is one of the superbugs, which are bacterial infections that have become resistant to our antibiotics. 

I just read more scary news: Despite all-out efforts in prevention, superbug infections are still on the rise in Canadian hospitals, according to a Queen's University study that came out Friday.

Here are suggestions from the CDC on what you can do to protect yourself and your family from superbugs.

  • Talk to your health care provider about antibiotic resistance.
  • Don't demand an antibiotic for a cold or another viral illness if your doctor does not prescribe one. Ask about other ways to help relieve your symptoms.
  • If your health care provider does prescribe an antibiotic, be sure that you take the medicine exactly as directed.
  • Take ALL of your antibiotic, even if you start feeling better.
  • Don't save some of your antibiotic for the next time you get sick.
  • Never take antibiotics prescribed for someone else.

But if you're like me, you're more worried about MRSA. Here are more tips on preventing MRSA from Health.com:

  • Wash your hands—a lot.
    MRSA passes by touch. Use soap and hot water.
  • Be on guard at the gym.
    Bring your own yoga mat, and wear workout gear that covers your skin.
  • Check it out.
    Pay attention to pimples or spots that look like spider bites. If they become painful or red, see a your doc—or visit a drop-in clinic or an ER. And don’t be shy about asking about MRSA.

For ongoing discussions on superbugs and MRSA, I've found tons of information from the private CafeMom group, The Informed Parent, run by the always smart Neonds13.

I actually don't use antibactieral gel because I'm so worried about superbugs, though I don't know if that really helps or not. I'll find out soon and post. Meanwhile, how worried are you about this issue?