How to Avoid the Superbug

The "superbug" is a germ that is now being reported as more deadly than AIDS. In places like New York, it takes more victims than this deadly disease each year. It originates from staph or staphylococcus bacteria which acts as a parasite and can cause boils, infections and septicemia. Normally found in hospitals, it is now making its rounds into public schools affecting young students.

The first teen to die from it occurred not too long ago in Virginia. This death was closely followed by another one involving a Brooklyn teen on October 14. Since that time, mass hysteria has hit different areas of America with reports of people being infected or leery of being infected by this disease. And everyone is asking the question - "how do we avoid it?"

Besides the obvious, hospitals taking more responsibility in their efforts to test new patients for staph, there are things that the average person can do to avoid getting it. Here are a few suggestions given out by medical officials across the country.

1. Shower daily. Until this "superbug" passes, it is imperative to bathe or shower daily. By doing so, you'll increase your opportunity of washing this germ away. Try changing your soap too. Use one that is designed to be antiseptic. It should say so right on the label.

2. Wash your hands. Remember how your mother told you to always wash your hands? Well, she was right. In order to avoid the "superbug", you should wash your hands after every meal and trip to the bathroom. You will want to wash them also if you're constantly in high traffic places. One way to do this easily is to carry wipes or a bottle of Purell with you.

3. Sanitize your house. Be sure to thoroughly wash dishes and wipe down counters in your home. Afterwards, follow-up with bleach. You can pour a teaspoon in the dishwasher and let it run through the cycle without making anyone ill. Also, you can easily dampen a cloth or paper towel with it and wipe down your counters. Another germ-killing method is to go over door knobs and other high-traffic places were many-hands touch with bleach.

4. Avoid areas of high-infection. If you have a sick relative in a hospital being affected by staph, it's not the right time to visit or bring your kids by unless you want to end up in a bed next to them. Instead, opt to send "Get Well" cards or call on your phone. You'll also want to unite with other parents regarding the sanitary environment of your child's school if one of their classmates gets infected. It's perfectly okay to keep your child home a day until you're sure it's safe for them to re-enter the school.

In conclusion, the key to avoiding the "superbug" is cleanliness. It's important to practice good personal hygiene. And, if you see anything unusual on your body like any boils or red bumps, seek medical treatment immediately. Your decision to do so could save your life.