Watch those cuts and scratches

[moduser]

A news item on the BBC website today makes worthwhile reading.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7115018.stm

To quote a couple of key lines;

"Virulent bugs are spreading outside hospitals and inside the community and may put lives at risk, experts say."

The condition is spread outside of hospitals via skin-to-skin contact and appears as sores which look like insect bites. In the very worst cases, it can kill in a day."

"These new strains of bacteria appear to be able to stick to damaged skin and airways better than the hospital MRSA strains, and they can also multiply at a faster rate,"

Moduser

 

[andy_e]

It's sometimes scary what's out there, but as many a TV naturalist would tell you we've been doing this evolutionary dance for some time.

I'd be more worried about this one ...

http://news.sky.com/skynews/video/videoplayer/0,,91059-1294155,.html

... the obvious poor taste stalking/camouflage jokes aside, it's incredibly unfortunate.

 

[spamel]

I seem to recall somebody either here or on BB saying that a friend had slid down a muddy bank and grazed his hand. Can't remember how long later he went to the hospital, but it wasn't long. The infection was that bad that amputation was the only way. Be careful out there.

 

[gregorach]

And on that note - make sure you have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination. You need boosters every ten years. And if they tell you that they don't offer routine boosters any more, explain that your hobby involves using sharp tools outdoors in remote locations.

 

[Barn Owl]

And on that note - make sure you have an up-to-date tetanus vaccination. You need boosters every ten years. And if they tell you that they don't offer routine boosters any more, explain that your hobby involves using sharp tools outdoors in remote locations.

I've had so many the Dr says i'm covered for life.

 

[SimonM]

I've had so many the Dr says i'm covered for life.

According to my Doc it takes 3 boosters to be covered for life - Thats me safe then!

Simon

 

[John Fenna]

Criky - I can live again and still be covered!
Tetenus free re-incarnation!

 

[Tengu]

My doctor knows I do things with dirty metal and insists I have my tetanus updated whether I want it or not

 

[lou1661]

According to my Doc it takes 3 boosters to be covered for life - Thats me safe then!

Simon

Thats what i was told! but as soon as i told them i was going to be in the african bush for a month that was the first one they stuck in me!

louis

 

[BOD]

Thick work shirts and gloves.

Reduces the risk enormously

 

[Grooveski]

According to my Doc it takes 3 boosters to be covered for life - Thats me safe then!

That's what I was told as well.
Asked for a booster while I was in a few years ago. Got it after saying I was flintknapping(apparently you can get lockjaw) but that's my last it seems.