March Madness is a highly anticipated time every year. What’s not to love about some friendly (or not) competition and hours upon hours of hoops? Nothing, really, except the increased possibility of infection. With such frequently used locker rooms and hard-working players, infection becomes more likely, putting players and teams at great risk.
March Madness shouldn’t be a time of worry. Here’s a look at staph infection in locker rooms and ways to prevent it during the busy, athletic March months.
What is staph infection (MRSA)?
MRSA stands for methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, but most people just know it as staph. Staph bacteria, found on the skin of about 1/3 of the population according to Mayo Clinic, is often the result of years of unnecessary antibiotic use for things such as colds and flus, which don’t respond to the drugs. This use creates and increases drug-resistant bacteria. The bacteria are generally harmless unless they enter the skin through a cut or wound.