Although your sentiments are in the right place, the issue is not so much that our immune systems are being weakened, it's that the infectious agents have become strengthened.

Many bacteria have always had the ability to modify their surface proteins in a single active infection in order to avoid immune detection. The abundant use of antibiotic cremes, gels, soaps, ETC. simply uses this natural tendency and the evolution of rapidly multiplying bacteria to produce resistant strains.

As for CA-MRSA in general...

Although the infection appears to be a new strain not normally associated with transmission in the healthcare system, it is still predominantly only extremely dangerous to immune-compromised individuals. The original MRSA strains existed in 25-30% of the general population and did not develop into dangerous infections until something suppressed the immune system (such as surgery, trauma, or immune illness).

This is similar to the fact that all people have the bacteria that causes strep throat in their throats all the time. It only becomes an "infection" when the population gets out of whack.

From the CDC's site regarding CA-MRSA

So, yet again...another mid-level MD talking out of his ass to the press and/or another "scientific" reporter who didn't understand what the fuck the ass-doctor was saying and fucking it up in translation.

Moral...yes, feel free to hug a gay person or a lesbian or your cat as you see fit, but be careful about picking your nose after a major surgery (as this is the most likely way to get a serious MRSA).

Hugs
BK

My grandmother just passed away from MRSA. She caught it while in the hospital for a blood transfusion. What is really scary is the day after she left the hospital to come home and die another elderly person we know was put in the same room without it being disinfected. My grandmother had been in that room for 2 weeks dying from this infection and then they did not even bleach anything in the room to make sure the next patient did not catch it.

I wish the media would take an interest in the fact that this bug is killing people, all people, not just gay men. The hospitals are responsible. The doctors are responsible. They are the ones spreading it because of poor hygiene and dirty instruments. Then they will not take responsibility because it is considered a risk of hospitalization. Someone needs to be held accountable. It is terrifying to think of dying from something as simple as a blood transfusion.

MRSA is most contagious while it is active. Symptoms are cold-like and diarrhea. It can also be like a flesh eating rash that is open and just won't heal and keeps spreading. It can never be cured. It is either active or dormant. When someone has active MRSA they go to the hospital and have antibiotics flushed through an IV until it goes dormant again. There is no telling when it will come back. It will always be contagious through blood or urine contact. Best way to keep from spreading it is frequent hand washing when in contact w/ someone who has it. Mostly the same precautions you have w/ someone who has aids. I work in a nursing home. That's how I know.