When 27 year old Jo Gilchrist found herself recently paralyzed, the incident was attributed to sharing a makeup brush. Unaware of the danger, Gilchrist thought nothing of sharing the makeup brush despite her friend having a staph infection at the time. Shortly afterwards, she began experiencing symptoms that led to her spine being damaged. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) warns that if you suspect you have been introduced to a staph infection, to wash and bandage the area and then seek medical assistance.
Gilchrist is believed to have been exposed to a drug-resistant strain of bacteria known as MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). The same staph infection can occur by sharing towels and razors. Despite the bleak prognosis, Gilchrist was fortunate enough through treatment and therapy to hear she might still be able to walk for an hour or two each day (something she did not expect).
Almost everyday we hear about stories like this thinking it's one in a million. Such incidents only happen to other people. Although our immunity to the news tends to mitigate health risks, no one is immune to these dangers and should ever assume an unwashed hand towel, makeup brush or razor is safe.
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