Interesting article about how Norway eliminated MRSA

14 years ago

Good reading for anyone concerned about the scary rise of antibiotic-resistant infections in our hospitals. Norway hasn't completely eliminated it, but by following a few simple (but strict) steps, they have cut the incidence of MRSA infections drastically. Here are the stats:

In Norway, MRSA has accounted for less than 1 percent of staph infections for years. That compares to 80 percent in Japan, the world leader in MRSA; 44 percent in Israel; and 38 percent in Greece.

In the U.S., cases have soared and MRSA cost $6 billion last year. Rates have gone up from 2 percent in 1974 to 63 percent in 2004. And in the United Kingdom, they rose from about 2 percent in the early 1990s to about 45 percent, although an aggressive control program is now starting to work.

I sure hope the US follows Norway's lead and reverses this, although I'm sure the reversal will take some time. I've wondered why our hospitals have become such dangerous places.

Here is a link that might be useful: Article at MSNBC.com

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Comments (7)

country_bumpkin_al
14 years ago
I have said for years..way before MRSA was a common problem, the antibiotics are over used/prescribed and it starts with INFANTS! People run their kids to the Dr. at the 1st sign of a sniffle. They almost always leave with a few prescriptions..one of them being an antibiotic! Most sniffles will last 3-7 days with or without meds! Honestly, I can count on 1 hand the times I took my kids to the Drs. Both of them are healthy as can be now. If and when they have to have an antibiotic now, it starts working almost immediately! It's scary to think we start medicating our kids almost from birth, then they grown up with immune systems that can't fight off even a minor infection. I also never gave my kids anything for a "fever" until it got to 102* or higher. A fever is the body's way of naturally fighting infections.
Adella Bedella
14 years ago
I don't like the way you get a prescription every time you go to the doctor either. There have been several times when I've felt the need to have my child looked at, but didn't want the medicine so we didn't get the prescription filled. I hate the new system where the doctor can put the prescription in the computer and have it waiting on you at the pharmacy. I don't like telling a doctor that I'm overriding his advice.

I'm more lenient with fevers. Febrile seizures run in my family. My kids do get Tylenol or Motrin if they start getting sluggish.

Sort of related....Have you seen the recent articles regarding allergies? Apparently, our health has started going down hill after after we eliminated intestinal parasites like worms.

Here is a link that might be useful: Worms and allergies
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casey_nfld
14 years ago
That makes so much sense but I doubt it will fly in the US. Drug companies are so big and lobby the government and would have a fit if doctors prescribed fewer medicines. I hear doctors get "bonuses" from drug companies if they prescribe that company's drugs. And with all the advertising on tv people will ask for the drugs anyway (interesting that Norway doesn't allow prescription ads on tv, rightfully so).
I don't watch much tv but I do watch a few favourite shows on American channels.....I am shocked that practically every other ad is for a prescription drug!
chisue
14 years ago
Only the USA and New Zealand permit prescription drugs to be advertised. Tell you anything about who's running things?

I'm especially sick of the Medicare-gouging ads that tell Seniors their meds or device 'won't cost you anything'. Right, it costs every taxpayer instead. Medicare pays the bill. If a doctor thought you NEEDED that medicine or 'scooter', he would have prescribed it for you! What a scam on all taxpayers.
petaloid
14 years ago
Interesting article. I've had so many antibiotics in my life, including the Cipro that was mentioned. That still works for me, but who knows about the future.

I was interested to read about how the pigs that are fed antibiotics can develop resistant bacterial strains.
lynn_d
14 years ago
I agree, we are way over medicated in this country and we need to outlaw all the antibacterial cleaning products as well. Is it any wonder we have the problems we have? I try not to take antibiotics and try so hard to avoid the antibacterial cleaning products, we need a natural immunity and to get that we need germs.
country_bumpkin_al
14 years ago
It's odd that we now have more Drs. than we've ever had..and people are "sicker" now than they've ever been...and most are on more medications that you could pack in a bag!

Interesting article about how Norway eliminated MRSA

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country_bumpkin_al

Adella Bedella

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