Swine flu - a simple suggestion for all of us

**Dave Rauschkolb** · 04-27-2009, 08:06 AM

There is no escaping the fact that A high percentage of sickness is contracted by the simple handshake. With the Swine Flu possibly coming to our country and community I have a simple suggestion. If you want to greet someone, rather than shake hands just touch elbows. I already do it as a courtesy when I have a cold. Just touch elbows. You can't stick your elbow in your mouth or your nose or your eyes.

Just touch elbows.

**scooterbug44** · 04-27-2009, 08:36 AM

Instead of an elbow shake, people actually washing their hands frequently would do a lot to prevent it (and many other diseases). Pretty gross how infrequently many people wash their hands, especially after using the restroom.

**Smiling JOe** · 04-27-2009, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by scooterbug44

Instead of an elbow shake, people actually washing their hands frequently would do a lot to prevent it (and many other diseases). Pretty gross how infrequently many people wash their hands, especially after using the restroom.

Given the very low percentage of people I see leaving the men's room in many bars and restaurants, I'm surprised that anyone shakes hands anymore, including myself. I do want to be courteous and shake hands, but sometimes I really begin to question my decisions such as this. Lately, I've been giving "taters" (bumping fists) instead of handshakes.

**NotDeadYet** · 04-27-2009, 11:22 AM

d)Also use a towel to open the restroom door.

I've often wished that public restrooms would provide a trash container just outside the door, so you can pitch your towel in after you use it to let yourself out.
And some public restrooms have only air blowers, so you are stuck touching the door on your way out, the very same door that was touched by the folks who didn't wash.
Or I guess you could just lurk by the door and wait for someone else to open it and then use your foot to hold it open long enough to escape.

**Here4Good** · 04-27-2009, 11:44 AM

Can someone who is knowlegable of the public health reporting process tell us what it means when we hear that there were 20 new cases reported in the US on Monday? How long does it take for a case to be properly diagnosed and then reported through the system?

Are doctors getting the communications about diagnosing swine flu?

**scooterbug44** · 04-27-2009, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

Given the very low percentage of people I see leaving the men's room in many bars and restaurants, I'm surprised that anyone shakes hands anymore, including myself. I do want to be courteous and shake hands, but sometimes I really begin to question my decisions such as this. Lately, I've been giving "taters" (bumping fists) instead of handshakes.

It's not just the men's room.

Women are bad about it too and it's disgusting!!! I am also appalled by the people who bring their drinks into the bathroom w/ them.

Originally Posted by NotDeadYet

I've often wished that public restrooms would provide a trash container just outside the door, so you can pitch your towel in after you use it to let yourself out.
And some public restrooms have only air blowers, so you are stuck touching the door on your way out, the very same door that was touched by the folks who didn't wash.

I am all about using a paper towel to open the door, then sticking my foot in it while I toss the towel in the trash. If paper towels aren't provided, TP works, or I just let the person in front of me do it and use my shoulder or foot to intercept before it closes! The door opening OUT makes life so much easier!

Originally Posted by Here4Good

Can someone who is knowlegable of the public health reporting process tell us what it means when we hear that there were 20 new cases reported in the US on Monday? How long does it take for a case to be properly diagnosed and then reported through the system?

As far as I can tell, they are testing people w/ flu-like symptoms who might have been exposed and those who test positive are who they are reporting. No fatalities and it responds to medication, but they are being uber-careful, which is why the school closings etc.

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

**sunspotbaby** · 04-27-2009, 08:38 AM

Good idea! Might want to just keep that in SoWal though...could be some kind of gang "shake" somewhere else.

**Beach Runner** · 04-27-2009, 08:46 AM

Dave, that's a great idea.

Someone from the CDC on CNN said that to avoid the spread of swine flu, as with any flu, do the following:

1. Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs. Use proper hand-washing techniques.
a)Turn on the water and wet your hands.
b)Apply soap to your hands and rub them together briskly for at least 15 seconds.
c)Rinse your hands and use a towel to turn off the water.
d)Also use a towel to open the restroom door.
2. Avoid close contact with people.
3. Avoid touching inanimate objects such as doorknobs and public computer keyboards and mice. Use a hand sanitizer after touching money and ATM keyboards. Use your elbow to press elevator buttons.
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
5. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
6. Avoid being around large groups of people.
7. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
8. Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are have flu-like symptoms. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Here's the CDC website for more info. http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

**TooFarTampa** · 04-27-2009, 09:07 AM

Nice suggestion Dave!

Just got back from Mexico yesterday (west coast -- one reported case in the area). It was freaky to see folks at the airport with masks on. I know it is illogical but I feel slightly guilty about sending my kids to school after giving them lots of hugs and kisses upon our return. The problem is we won't know what kind of environment we were actually in for a week or so.

The good news is: hand washing works. So does Tamiflu.

**Lynnie** · 04-27-2009, 01:02 PM

Secret SoWal handshake! I'm in..........we need to create a dance!

**scooterbug44** · 04-27-2009, 01:06 PM

The dance is easy - ask any person returning from the bathroom what they thought of the funky soap color .................

Then step away quickly waving your hands to keep their germs away when they pretend to know what you are talking about!

**traderx** · 04-27-2009, 03:10 PM

There are many benefits to living in the Information Age. Swine flu shows one of the downsides.

Russia has banned the import of pork from the US and Mexico. According to the CDC, you cannot get swine flu from eating pork.

Apparently, the cases in Mexico are much more severe than elsewhere. Does anyone know why the difference?

**wrobert** · 04-27-2009, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by traderx

Apparently, the cases in Mexico are much more severe than elsewhere. Does anyone know why the difference?

Families tend to live in closer proximity to each other would be my guess. Many start out in single rooms then build year after year, with multiple generations in one house so transmission would be a lot easier.

**Mango** · 04-27-2009, 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by wrobert

Families tend to live in closer proximity to each other would be my guess. Many start out in single rooms then build year after year, with multiple generations in one house so transmission would be a lot easier.

It probably has more to do with a mutation in the strain of virus rendering it weaker. That would be my guess.

I have to say that I do not usually get nervous about these warnings, especially in light of the fact that it seems weaker here, no one has died and 1 hospitalized, but after hearing about a school in Chappaqua, and Long Island, NY being closed and scrubbed by the health departments about two weeks ago, my alarms went off.

Can't hurt to take precautions, but not panicking here, yet.

**Lynnie** · 04-27-2009, 03:26 PM

Can't get swine flu from eating pig? Who knew??? I had a yummy pork tenderloin for lunch and am now suffering the vapors~~~~~~~~~

Hep me!

**traderx** · 04-27-2009, 04:49 PM

Originally Posted by Lynnie

Can't get swine flu from eating pig? Who knew??? I had a yummy pork tenderloin for lunch and am now suffering the vapors~~~~~~~~~

Hep me!

No, but you can if you play dominoes with one.

**Lynnie** · 04-27-2009, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by LuciferSam

Some of you sound a bit neurotic. Do you wash your money as well?

Germ Obsession Makes Handwashing National Pastime

Money is filthy....that's what my Granny always said! I have a friend who traveled with me to another country and all of a sudden became obsessed with anti-bacterial wipes and sanitizing rubs. He is now one of the most unhealthy persons I know.

I don't promote dirtiness, but I think our bodies need to come into contact with germs to be able to produce the antibodies and fight them. Of course, a prudent person should be able to determine this, don't you think?

Originally Posted by traderx

No, but you can if you play dominoes with one.

I think I would lose.

**LuciferSam** · 04-27-2009, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Lynnie

Money is filthy....that's what my Granny always said! I have a friend who traveled with me to another country and all of a sudden became obsessed with anti-bacterial wipes and sanitizing rubs. He is now one of the most unhealthy persons I know.

I don't promote dirtiness, but I think our bodies need to come into contact with germs to be able to produce the antibodies and fight them. Of course, a prudent person should be able to determine this, don't you think?

Well that's what George Carlin thinks:

Mind Droppings: George Carlin - Fear of Germs

He's no doc but this sure is funny! The best line is, and this is true, before they execute somebody with a lethal injection they swab his arm with alcohol! Anyway, I believe there is some truth you and he are saying.

**Miss Kitty** · 04-27-2009, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by Lynnie

Can't get swine flu from eating pig? Who knew??? I had a yummy pork tenderloin for lunch and am now suffering the vapors~~~~~~~~~

Hep me!

...you WERE trying to keel me!

I ate pork last night, too. OINK!

**mikecatadjuster** · 04-27-2009, 04:31 PM

Don't know if anyone mentioned this already, but...
Bloomberg is reporting that while President Obama was in Mexico he met a man who died from Swine Flu the following day. President Obama came into close contact with archaelogist Felipe Solis at Mexico's anthropology museum in Mexico City. Felipe Solis died the following day.

Wow, not a great time to be visiting that country. I would have thought we would have had better foresight regarding that matter.

**scooterbug44** · 04-27-2009, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by mikecatadjuster

Don't know if anyone mentioned this already, but...
Bloomberg is reporting that while President Obama was in Mexico he met a man who died from Swine Flu the following day. President Obama came into close contact with archaelogist Felipe Solis at Mexico's anthropology museum in Mexico City. Felipe Solis died the following day.

Wow, not a great time to be visiting that country. I would have thought we would have had better foresight regarding that matter.

That was 11 days ago and Solis wasn't found to have had Swine flu, but thanks for adding to the hysteria level.

**beachwanabe** · 04-28-2009, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by mikecatadjuster

Don't know if anyone mentioned this already, but...
Bloomberg is reporting that while President Obama was in Mexico he met a man who died from Swine Flu the following day. President Obama came into close contact with archaelogist Felipe Solis at Mexico's anthropology museum in Mexico City. Felipe Solis died the following day.

Wow, not a great time to be visiting that country. I would have thought we would have had better foresight regarding that matter.

Good thing I didn't get tickets to see Obama at Fox High School Wednesday in Missouri, just 1/2 hour from my house. But then again I would have to shake his hand? It is interesting how quickly something like this can spread from country to country....

If this gets bad it's not just about washing hands, this is gross, but years ago when I worked 2nd shift I would stop at a favorite St. Louis burger chain where you can sit by the grill, watch your food being made. After I ordered to go, I waited, happened to look over at the grill, the guy cooking had a bad cold, his nose was dripping onto the grill about every 7 seconds. I got the manager, told him loud enough where other people in the place could hear what was going on, I was out the door, never went back in there again. My only mistake was not calling the health department the next day.

**Miss Kitty** · 04-28-2009, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by Lynnie

Ooooh, Cocktail Flu and a Carryover.......those are definitely the worst, Jitty!

Oh, jit! Now my left eye is jwitching and I have a cough!

**ktschris** · 04-29-2009, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by beachwanabe

Good thing I didn't get tickets to see Obama at Fox High School Wednesday in Missouri, just 1/2 hour from my house. But then again I would have to shake his hand? It is interesting how quickly something like this can spread from country to country....

If this gets bad it's not just about washing hands, this is gross, but years ago when I worked 2nd shift I would stop at a favorite St. Louis burger chain where you can sit by the grill, watch your food being made. After I ordered to go, I waited, happened to look over at the grill, the guy cooking had a bad cold, his nose was dripping onto the grill about every 7 seconds. I got the manager, told him loud enough where other people in the place could hear what was going on, I was out the door, never went back in there again. My only mistake was not calling the health department the next day.

Hi neighbor....I live very close to Arnold too. Driving down 55 this morning on my way to work, Fox's football field was swarming with police. Haven't heard yet if his helicopter landed there or he went by motorcade.

sorry....back to flu talk.

**Rita** · 04-29-2009, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Kitty

...yep...and one with a cigarette burn to boot!

I think I must have Post SoireeWine Flu.

.

.
Kitty - they've closed a few school around here due to confirmed and suspected "H1N1 virus".
- in Richardson, Dallas, and Cleburne. Cleburne even canceled their Cinco de Mayo festival.

edit: Now all UIL interscholastic competitions have been suspended until 5/11.

LuciferSam - Thanks for the Carlin link! Love Carlin musings.

.

**LuciferSam** · 04-27-2009, 04:41 PM

Some of you sound a bit neurotic. Do you wash your money as well?

Germ Obsession Makes Handwashing National Pastime

**bluemtnrunner** · 04-27-2009, 10:38 PM

Shaking elbows is great. We have always practiced not covering our mouth and nose with our hands when we cough or sneeze but coughing into our elbows/upper arms. Same idea, keep the germs where they aren't going to spread when you touch someone or open a door.

Swine flu or not, there is something really bad going around Sowal. I am well into week three and nothing is helping.

**NotDeadYet** · 04-28-2009, 07:06 AM

Maybe you should be tested for flu?
A lot of us were sick early in April. Does make one wonder...............

**bluemtnrunner** · 04-28-2009, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by NotDeadYet

Maybe you should be tested for flu?
A lot of us were sick early in April. Does make one wonder...............

I have never had a fever with this. Just sore throat, laryngitis for 7 days, fatigue, headache. No fever, no flu....right?

**NotDeadYet** · 04-28-2009, 01:36 PM

No fever, no flu....right?

I think that is right. I've never heard of flu without fever.

**Miss Kitty** · 04-28-2009, 02:15 PM

Uh oh....sore throat just settled in.

...wait, is that a symptom?

**Seasheller** · 04-29-2009, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by bluemtnrunner

I have never had a fever with this. Just sore throat, laryngitis for 7 days, fatigue, headache. No fever, no flu....right?

We were in SoWal 2 and a half weeks ago. Arrived on a Sat, husband got a cold, sore throat,
fatigue and then chest stuff.....lasted a full 2 weeks. Went to the doc in Seagrove who said it was
going around and warned that it might last that long. He is HIGH energy and this really laid him
done flat. Is fine as of yesterday. No fever but he might as well have for as bad as he felt.
I bet you have something similar....

**Lynnie** · 04-28-2009, 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by bluemtnrunner

Shaking elbows is great. We have always practiced not covering our mouth and nose with our hands when we cough or sneeze but coughing into our elbows/upper arms. Same idea, keep the germs where they aren't going to spread when you touch someone or open a door.

Swine flu or not, there is something really bad going around Sowal. I am well into week three and nothing is helping.

Crud! Literally! I rarely get sick and the last three times I've been to sowal (back to back trips), I come home with the creeping crud. Last one took me two weeks to shake it off. I am determined to kick this one today.....feels sinusy, head-ache, my teeth hurt, like allergies, but none of my allergy stuff is working. Mucous is clear so no infection, but I am over it!!!

I hope y'all are all feeling better soon; it is certainly no fun being less than 100%. And, I admit that when I got up this morning, I did think about swine flu and wondered if I should go to the dr.......or the doc in the box.

**TooFarTampa** · 04-28-2009, 09:39 AM

I'm not going to post everytime I sneeze, but ... I just sneezed.

Yesterday I took my temp at least 7 times. Still normal, thankfully. Mr. TFT barely slept last night.

I am so glad the incubation period is only 3-4 days! I know leaving Mexico does not get me out of the woods but I am sure it helped!

We had a great trip, but I can't tell anyone about it.

I don't want to be the victim of an angry mom mob if someone at our kids' schools gets the swine flu. Because you know we will be ostracized even if it wasn't from us!

**Lynnie** · 04-28-2009, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by TooFarTampa

I'm not going to post everytime I sneeze, but ... I just sneezed.

Yesterday I took my temp at least 7 times. Still normal, thankfully. Mr. TFT barely slept last night.

I am so glad the incubation period is only 3-4 days! I know leaving Mexico does not get me out of the woods but I am sure it helped!

We had a great trip, but I can't tell anyone about it.

I don't want to be the victim of an angry mom mob if someone at our kids' schools gets the swine flu. Because you know we will be ostracized even if it wasn't from us!

You're a carrrier, I just know it............

**TooFarTampa** · 04-28-2009, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by Lynnie

You're a carrrier, I just know it............

97.8

**Miss Kitty** · 04-28-2009, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Lynnie

You're a carrrier, I just know it............

Originally Posted by TooFarTampa

97.8

**NoHall** · 04-28-2009, 11:44 AM

Washing hands in a public restroom...yuck.

By the time I touch the faucet, the soap dispenser and the towel dispenser, I feel like I've exposed myself to every germ in the world. If they're all automatic, I'm cool. Otherwise, I 1) don't pee on my hands, 2) flush with my foot, 3) try not to touch the door handle going out, and 4) bust out the hand sanitizer.

(I know that some of you are completely grossed out by this and have lost what little respect you had for me. My apologies...)

**Lynnie** · 04-28-2009, 02:44 PM

Am sitting in my kitchen, doors open and it is a comfortable, lovely 76* in the house. I have the chills with clear gunk coming out of my nose and maybe just a low, very low grade fever.

They are shoving the swine down our throats and now I am hitting the doc in the morning if I am not better!

**InletBchDweller** · 04-28-2009, 02:50 PM

jitty! Lmao!! 

**Lynnie** · 04-28-2009, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by InletBchDweller

jitty! Lmao!! 

Jitty was a genuine tipo, which has affectionately stuck!

**Lynnie** · 04-28-2009, 04:56 PM

Mr. Green Pussy is sneezin.......could he have the swine, too?

(He has cute sneezes......)

**RayStar** · 04-28-2009, 05:40 PM

What about the knuckle bump? We must be very careful with this flu. The doctors say this flu has mutated which is making it more difficult to get rid of.
I hate the air dryers in public restrooms. I feel like most who feel touching the faucet and door handles. These actions make me feel very uneasy. Another thing I do is pull several sheets of paper off the roll before using the tissue. We can't live in a bubble.

**Beach Runner** · 04-28-2009, 05:43 PM

Just heard on the NBC Nightly News:

The CDC has said that the term "swine flu" should no longer be used because it needlessly incriminates pigs. It should be called the H1N1 virus.

**Miss Kitty** · 04-28-2009, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Runner

Just heard on the NBC Nightly News:

The CDC has said that the term "swine flu" should no longer be used because it needlessly incriminates pigs. It should be called the H1N1 virus.

FTLOC...trying to put lipstick on a pig's flu.

**Beach Runner** · 04-28-2009, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by Miss Kitty

FTLOC...trying to put lipstick on a pig's flu.

Exactly. Isn't the CDC statement just flippin' hilarious?

**Lynnie** · 04-28-2009, 06:27 PM

It is funny, but other countries have ordered no pork imports from US! I guess it's needed.......curious what R2D2 stands for????

**Beach Runner** · 04-28-2009, 06:32 PM

According to Wikipedia, in the name H1N1 the "H" refers to the hemagglutinin protein, and the "N" refers to the [ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuraminidase"]neuraminidase[/ame] protein. Of course, I already knew that.

**bluemtnrunner** · 04-28-2009, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by Beach Runner

According to Wikipedia, in the name H1N1 the "H" refers to the hemagglutinin protein, and the "N" refers to the neuraminidase protein. Of course, I already knew that.

HEEHEE...you said hiney

I've decided I have Swine Bird Flu.....which means I'll get better when pigs fly.

**Beach Runner** · 04-28-2009, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by bluemtnrunner

HEEHEE...you said hiney

I've decided I have Swine Bird Flu.....which means I'll get better when pigs fly.

I am so dense.

I guess now the CDC will have to change the name again because the term "H1N1" needlessly incriminates those with big hineys. It should be called the IFITBAP flu, acronym for "I'm F*cked If This Becomes A Pandemic."