Superbugs Are a Serious Concern and Could Cause You Harm

When you enter a hospital or nursing home you expect to receive proper care, not become sick. While still uncommon, superbugs are a serious concern for those who receive care in any type of medical facility. Superbugs are antibiotic resistant bacteria that can cause severe illness or death. These bacteria are not easily treated so once a patient is infected they may be unable to recover. There are several types of superbugs that are finding their way into local hospitals.

Different Types of Resistant Superbugs

There are various types of resistant superbugs with new strains becoming known all the time. One of the most common of the superbugs is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). This serious bug sickens thousands of people each year and some patients die from the infection. MRSA is quite resistant to typical antibiotics. Another superbug that has appeared in hospitals is CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae).

Treatment of Infections Caused By Superbugs

Superbugs are very resistant to many of the most common antibiotics making it difficult to treat. Very strong antibiotics are required for treatment and in some cases, these will not work. The patient must be isolated and extreme care must be taken to ensure that the superbug does not spread to other patients. Early diagnosis will help with a more favorable outcome.

How to Prevent the Spread of Superbugs

The best way to ensure the safety of hospital patients and others is by preventing the spread of superbugs. The overuse and improper use of antibiotics have contributed to the resistance of these types of bacteria. Hospitals must take care to keep all areas as clean and sterile as possible. Particular care must be provided to high risk patients because they are more likely to contract the illness and are less able to fight it. Fast diagnosis and quarantining the patient will help to reduce the spread of the superbugs.

Superbugs May Be Signs of Neglect

Superbug infections are caused by negligent care in hospitals or nursing homes. When a patient is infected with a serious superbug they are likely to require extensive and costly medical treatment and care. For some patients, healing will be a lengthy process and in some cases the patient will not recover. When neglect has taken place the hospital and staff are usually responsible and victims may need to take legal action to get compensation for damages.

If you or a loved one were victims of a superbug infection contact the legal team at Udall Shumway PLC to schedule a consultation today.

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding Superbugs Are a Serious Concern, or any other personal injury, please feel free to contact Brian T. Allen at  480.461.5335,  log on to udallshumway.com,  or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.