Germ Avoidance…

I’m officially ‘that person’.

‘That person’ who crazily walks around with tissues to open doors and leaves a shower of Lysol in her wake.

Before you harass me about my germaphobic ways, remember I work with the general public. San Diegans are passing around the Swine Flu like a delicious piece of gossip.

I wouldn’t be quite so crazy but Thanksgiving is next week. If I have to spend my four days off in the hospital, I’d rather it be from a gnarly fall off a mountain face that bested me than from a virus that originated in an animal I don’t particularly like – even when served for a Christmas meal.

Plus, as the year ends, we’re all getting low on personal hours and no one can afford a day off. My co-workers spray the sick folks with Lysol like they’d spray a thug with mace. If someone collapses, we call poison control and haz-mat – not 911.

I sneezed this morning and my co-worker nonchalantly hummed Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ while spraying me with an anti-bacterial aerosol like she was disinfecting her toilet. I probably wouldn’t have minded but… all that mist makes my hair frizz.

I need to stay healthy. I need to stay working. I don’t care if I look silly.

It’s a dog eat dog world during flu season.

Posted by Beks on November 19, 2009 at 5:00 AM in health | 13 Comments »
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Melanie responded:
Posted: November 19th, 2009 at 7:48 am
“I sneezed this morning and my co-worker nonchalantly hummed Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ while spraying me with an anti-bacterial aerosol like she was disinfecting her toilet.”

This totally made my morning, hehehe. I’m “that guy” too. My philosophy is, if it offends you that I won’t shake your hand, go shake someone else’s hand…they probably had it up their nose or in their butt crack anyway…
Jen responded:
Posted: November 19th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Do you take vitamins? I know it’d be an extra expense, but I’ve found that when I regularly take a multivitamin I’m usually the last person to get sick, and I don’t get as sick as everyone else.

Good luck with avoiding the cold and flu!
debra responded:
Posted: November 19th, 2009 at 11:24 am
I LOVE your sense of humor!

You would NOT believe how many people come into our office (we have a pack and ship office here also..) and say… I’ve just come from the doctor and I’ve got the FLU… ugh… HELLO THANKS for coming in and SHARING it with us.. I guess it is a good thing they let us know because as soon as they leave the office the Lysol comes out until we all gag. We DO wait until they leave..
Claire in CA, USA responded:
Posted: November 19th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Get thee some Vitamin D Dry. It helps boost immune function (as well as echinacea), and can prevent the flu.

I also won’t touch door handles and stair rails. We already had the flu in our house, but only my daughter suffered, so I’m thinking the rest of us must have good immune systems.
John DeFlumeri Jr responded:
Posted: November 19th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Right you are Beks! Can’t afford to get the flu!

John DeFlumeri Jr
Jean responded:
Posted: November 19th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Your co-workers would be emptying LOTS of cans of Lysol on me – I would be sneezing b/c of the Lysol (allergies), not b/c of the flu, and their spraying would just perpetuate the sneezing. might be quite comical – for awhile… I thought I was starting to get sick today, but think (HOPE) it’s just allergies. I’m with you – can’t afford to get sick next week.

Hope you stay well & have a good holiday!
Cassie responded:
Posted: November 19th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I think I’m starting to get sick here myself. Ugh. Hey at least you can’t catch viruses through a computer screen!
Mrs. Money responded:
Posted: November 20th, 2009 at 8:52 am
If it makes you feel any better, my neighbor who is a doctor said she thinks the worst is over. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Basker responded:
Posted: November 20th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
What shall I do, when think is going like this, I will try my best to cross the road safely.
Joe Dirt responded:
Posted: November 20th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Oh it would be on if someone sprayed me with Lysol. This country is over germ-i-fied. There is nothing wrong with being a little sick, your body develops an amuunity to it. But to totally avoid germs is just ridiculous and will not only cost more in the long wrong, but shorten your life span.
GoBankingRates responded:
Posted: November 20th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
Hahah I think everyone has to be “that person” especially during this season when the swine flu is spreading like wildfire. Better safe than sorry!
Beks responded:
Posted: November 20th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Melanie – Ha ha!!

Jen – I do. They totally help.

Debra – Thanks! I agree, people can be so silly sometimes!

Claire – Great idea. I just read an article about how good D is for you. I’ll have to get some.

Cassie – With my luck – I will! ; )
Nicole responded:
Posted: November 21st, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Trust me, I totally know what you’re talking about. I have been known to chop block my boys if they try to touch a public door ; )