Why do superbugs – such as MRSA – only seem to exist in hospitals?
Not all superbugs are the same, however, MRSA and Pseudomonas for example are often referred to as hospital-acquired infections. This is because they tend to thrive in particular areas where there is an optimum temperature and level of humidity for their growth. Also, these bacteria infect patients in hospitals because they are weak and their immune system is somewhat lowered. In fact, it is most common to find such infections in areas such as ICU (ITU) where the patients are at their most vulnerable. Otherwise healthy individuals (visitors etc) do not get the infection, but they merely carry it in their orifices (particularly nasal). Hospitals tend to fumigate wards from time to time in a bid to control the spreading of such infections but the biggest culprit in this matter is the over-zealousness of certain medics to prescribe multi-spectrum antibiotics when not indicated. It is important to only take antibiotics when needed, and follow the instructions to the letter. Failing to do s
