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Gay Men's Health Crisis describes precautions gay men can take to minimize their risk of MRSA
New York, NY (January 22, 2008) — A drug resistant bacteria, MRSA* — which is a skin infection occurring in persons of all genders, ages, races and sexual orientations — has been found among gay and bisexual men in New York City, San Francisco and Boston.
MRSA is preventable. It is treatable.
Let's take care of ourselves and each other.
MRSA is typically transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, which occurs during a variety of activities, including sex. Those at risk are not limited to gay men. However, gay men with multiple partners, crystal methamphetamine users, and people with compromised immune systems seem to be at higher risk of infection. You can protect yourself and your partner(s).
Standard precautions to prevent the spread of staph or MRSA skin infections include:
- Maintain good personal hygiene. Clean your hands and body with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Wash up after sex as soon as you are able.
- Do not share personal items such as towels, washcloths, razors, pipes, straws, etc.
- Check your skin for reddened areas, pimples or boils causing pus, swelling or pain.
- Cover any wounds with dry clean bandages.
- Avoid direct contact with the skin of anyone with a skin infection.
- Talk to your doctor if you think you have a skin infection.
For more information:
NY State Brochure: http://www.health.state.ny.us/publications/signature/1497.pdf
CDC Press Release: http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/2008/t080116.htm
*MRSA: methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. Our mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease, help people with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence, and keep the prevention, treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority. In fulfilling this mission, we will remain true to our heritage by fighting homophobia and affirming the individual dignity of all gay men and lesbians. We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City, and outreach and education to hundreds of thousands throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.
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© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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