Reply #3: what many fail to realize in flu season... is that washing hands... [View All]

[hlthe2b]

consistently, regularly, frequently is the best protection.... Look around at all the opportunities to spread viruses mechanically. Now the grocery stores require EVERYONE to use the same stylet to hit the touchpad and sign a signature. You touch the same shopping carts, doornobs (even after washing hands in the bathroom). No, you don't have to use those drying anti-bacterial soaps--just the act of scrubbing with standard soap and water, followed by single use paper towel (which is retained to open the doorknob...can go a very long way.

As people look for high tech solutions (note that Tamiflu has NOT been shown to reduce mortality from avian flu, yet many are banking on it as a magic bullet). High filtration N95 face masks, used by ER staff last only as long as they stay dry... so wearing one for hours would soak up your own perspiration, respiratory secretions, etc. and render it useless. (and guys with beards or other facial hair, these masks never work for you). Yet many would buy one (or even a worthless dust mask from a local store) and wear it every day, hoping it would make the difference as we saw with SARS.

Wash your hands....stay out of large crowds during cold/flu season, but, yes, Mom was right...wash your hands.