For example, here's a standard set of instructions on how to avoid catching the 'flu.
Preventing Flu Spread via Personal Contact
Human beings for the most part enjoy social and personal contact. Hugs, handshakes, kisses, touches are displays of affection and modes of social
interaction. During flu season, some people fear this and reduce such contact to a minimum. Since most flu is mild and short lasting, others consider
this too drastic, a "cure worse than the disease."
Still, it's prudent to reduce the possible impact of personal contact, and the main method is hand cleansing, either with soap and warm water or an
alcohol gel or other antiviral substance.
Wash hands before:
handling or eating food, or feeding others
brushing or flossing teeth
inserting or removing contact lenses
treating wounds or cuts
Wash hands after:
having contact with a person who has flu, or anything in their immediate environment
going to the toilet or helping a dependent at the toilet
changing a diaper
blowing the nose or wiping a child's nose
coughing or sneezing
handling garbage
handling items shared with others (toys, common equipment etc.)
treating wounds or cuts
Detailed instructions for washing hands are widely available on health sites such as Health Canada or the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention.
Flu Prevention via Infected Surfaces
According to the CDC, "influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the
surface." (CDC, 2009 H1N1 Flu ("Swine Flu") and You, November 3, 2009). The CDC recommends the following:
Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household
disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly, these items should not be
shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid
"hugging" laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based
hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
It is not listed on the CDC site, but some health authorities recommend using a tissue on the towel dispenser or to turn on and off the tap in a
public restroom.
Make Flu Prevention an Annual Event
Every year, the flu season rolls around. Reduce the chances of catching it by practicing common personal and home hygiene. Show good respiratory
etiquette by covering coughs. Reduce the risk of transmission by personal contact with frequent hand washing. Reduce the risk of transmission by
cleaning possibly infected surfaces.
End of snip.
Then, of course, more worrying still is the possibility of MRSA transmission.
If you opt for the pat down, it is imerative to insist that a TSA agent washes their hands and puts on a clean pair of gloves before touching you. If
they touch their nose, eye, etc, after putting on the clean gloves they should remove them and put on another clean pair. The same should apply if
they are going to rummage through your bag to check your personal belongings. This is just standard, basic hygiene which everyone has the right to
insist on.
edit on 24-11-2010 by wcitizen because: (no reason given)