I have heard of the Zika virus and all the concern that it’s something that people need to worry about. Well, it turns out that this is just the first step in a global public health challenge.
A new virus has just showed up that people will face more serious challenges than Zika.
The virus is called C-difficile. It kills people. People can get those outbreaks almost anywhere and it’s one of the most devastating, harmful conditions the world has ever seen.
It’s a big, nasty disease spread by stinky toilets.
I learned a few facts about C-difficile from a panel of speakers at an infectious disease conference I heard about.
Surprisingly, those things are pretty similar to other public health challenges. Like Zika or bird flu, C-difficile infection can’t be avoided or prevented. But you can prevent a lot of misery if you try to do the right things when you are exposed to it.
The good news is that C-difficile can be treated. In fact, in some cases, the antibiotic doxycycline can be enough to wipe out the infection.
So even though C-difficile may have hit the headlines a lot recently, you do not need to worry about your health.
You can stay healthy.
A big thanks to the leaders of those events for educating me about this new virus. And if you are at any risk, you should definitely get screened for this dangerous new disease.
To learn more about what the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is doing about C-difficile and how you can help, you can go to cdc.gov/cdiff.
Remember, never assume that things can’t happen to you or your family. You might be surprised.
Happy Mother’s Day.
Sandra Smith joined Fox News Channel (FNC) in 1996 and currently serves as a Los Angeles-based correspondent.
