I’ve been thinking about this topic for a while now and I just was able to locate a useful piece of media for it. Thanks to Chris Condayan (@csuspect on Twitter) for the video!
Ok, so cough/cold/flu season is technically over you say? That may be true but the information in that video transcends seasons. Remember when your parents told you to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze? Yeah that sounds polite but can actually be pointless in the prevention of spreading germs if you don’t wash your hands.
With most of us clickity-clackin away on the keyboard at work and manuevering the mouse over the keypad, our hands are frequenting surfaces that we use over and over again. So think about it, if you are at your desk and you sneeze into your hand and continue typing – what do you think is going to happen? The germs are going to be transferred to your keyboard and most likely your mouse as well. And then you shake hands with your co worker, congratulating them on a promotion. And then use the doorknob to leave building. I think you get my point.
Here are a few tips I thought of to help you keep the sniffles away from yourself and others in the workplace as well as your home:
- Wash your hands frequently. Especially before eating a meal.
- When coughing or sneezing (especially when you have a cold), do so inside your sleeve, right by your elbow or further above. When you do this, you can just toss your shirt in the laundry and wash those germs away. If you use a piece of Kleenex, still be sure to wash your hands afterward.
- Have some of those Clorox wipes handy – they are great for wiping down surfaces on your desk and getting rid of any germs hanging around. Might be a good idea to wipe down your keyboard and mouse at the end of each week.
- Hand sanitizers! Great stuff and alot of them come in tiny dispensers that you can carry around in your pocket or purse. If you can’t wash your hands, this is the next best thing.
- If you’re sick and sneezing/coughing all over the place, do everyone a favor and stay home. Trying to keep a perfect record (like the guy in the video) quickly turns into “How many other people can I make sick the fastest”. Don’t be that guy/girl.
Coughing into your hands isn’t going to help when you shake someone’s hand in the next 5 minutes. I know this seems like common sense stuff but sometimes we all need a reminder!
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Ummm this just scared me to no ends! I hate germs! Still pretty funny:)
@Bush: yes sir!! I switched over to my own hosted version (Got tired of the restrictions and wanted my own design) Do you approve?
Andre! What is going on here!? Is this a new Wordpress blog!?!?
Yes! Wipe down your desk, mouse, keyboard, phone, pens, pencils, chair handles, everything. Do it everyday.
Speaking of being in charge of a small human being… I am babysitting that small human being right now. Is it still called babysitting if you are the dad? Regardless, she is sleeping.
Anyway, I have issues with the guy in the men’s room on 14 who flushes the toilet with a paper towel and then proceeds to use that same paper towel to open the door. Thanks buddy, now you have taken the germs from the toilet and put them on the door handle.
I say we catch him in the act and give him a swirlie. What do you say Andre?
PSA is an understatement. This is a critical reminder because a lot of people seem to forget. Perhaps not as blatant as the Latrine Lad in the YouTube video, germs can spread quickly (shudders…)
Kenya, what about washing your hands then turning off the (insert vile description) faucet?
I leave the water running while I grab a Kleenex that will dry my hands, turn off the faucet and help the exit the facility.
Oh, BTW, Lysol also makes disinfectant wipes. Costco. Two jumbo sized containers to a pack. 220 wipes in total. Yeah…really.
I think you should add something about not touching the door handle on exiting the restroom. I see people do this all the time. You’ve just washed your hands and then you go an touch that nasty door handle.
@Karen: its my pleasure! It’s something we sometimes take for granted but always need that gentle reminder
Those are great ideas btw! Of course I don’t want to create a germaphobe culture but when cold/flu season comes around, you do everything in your power to stay well!
@Jen: Hahaha he definitely is careful isn’t he? I think I’m gonna wipe down my desk every Friday lol
Does this have something to do with your germaphobic podmate — specifically the one who is in charge of a small human being, not “Tina” or the fashionista….
thanks for reminding me to use my disinfecting wipes today!
Andre, this post is a public service – thank you! In addition to the above, I also carry my own pen and sign credit card receipts at restaurants, stores, etc to prevent receiving (and passing) unwanted germs.
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