Since my bout with MRSA, it has been brought to my attention, by
concerned Rainbow Family members, discussions on how to "diminish" the
Staph or MRSA infections at future Gatherings.

There are many tried and proven ways, that have been thoroughly
discussed on AGR, but here is a possibilty to consider:

With all the precautions already taken, are we unknowingly spreading
the deadly bacteria?

The question is the effectiveness of regular hand sanitizers,
that kill ONLY normal bacteria.

So, even though, many good intentioned people, are taking precautions
not to spread bacteria, by diligently using these inexpensive, easy to
carry, and "no water necessary" hand sanitizers, the fact is, that
these hand sanitizers are not effective against Staph,Strep, MRSA,
etc..

So then, it is a very good possibility, for those using these hand
sanitizers, that we could be spreading Staph, MRSA, etc.!
(especially, the massage people, those who wash their hands between
massages with hand sanitizers)

Still Undefined wrote:

From the Mayo Clinic's information on Staph"
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/staph-infections/DS00973/DSECTION=8

"Prevention

Protecting yourself from staph infections can seem daunting, given how
widespread and virulent the bacteria have become. But these common-sense
precautions can help lower your risk:

* Wash your hands. Careful hand washing is your best defense against
germs. Scrub hands briskly for at least 15 to 30 seconds, then dry them
with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. If
your hands aren't visibly dirty, you can use a hand sanitizer containing
at least 62 percent alcohol. These sanitizers are convenient and may
actually kill more germs than soap and water do.

* Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered
with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus from infected sores
often contains staph bacteria, and keeping wounds covered will help keep
the bacteria from spreading.

Still Undefined wrote:

On Oct 16, 10:43 am, Karin Zirk earthlink.net> wrote:

On Oct 16, 9:37 am, Karin Zirk earthlink.net> wrote:

On Oct 16, 9:37 am, Karin Zirk earthlink.net> wrote:

I agree. I was pleased to see the use of latex gloves at CALM at my
last gathering of the tribes, but everywhere else hand washing is
enough.
People's immune systems work more efficiently under at least some
stress. That doesn't mean deliberately ignoring danger, but trying to
live in a sterile world is not possible. Lots of bacteria are
benificial.
Sanity

"Sanity" sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:1192548407.784756.305370@k35g2000prh.googlegroups.com...

On Oct 16, 9:26 am, Sanity sbcglobal.net> wrote:

I think one of the reasons hand sanitizers are having their day is the
finding that medical personel are so negligent about washing their
hands. The idea being that a simple waterless sanitizer is more likely
to be used than real soap and water.

At gatherings, the problem is lack of enough clean running water AND
proper disposal of used water. The best way to think about hand
sanitizers is (IMHO) "better than nothing".

I'm concerned about the disposal of used water. AFAIK, soap and water -
remove- dirt, bacteria, etc. from your hands, but do not necessarily
kill it. I wonder if all those grey cesspools are maybe not an extra
serious concern, and that maybe it would be just as good to "sanitize"
hoping to kill germs on the spot, than to just concentrate them.

"Karin Zirk" earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:4714CCC0.49E8EE75@earthlink.net...