We’re living in germaphobic times. You can’t get a common cold without your doctor sticking a swab up your nose to test for the flu.Since the rise of swine flu, we hear it all the time: Wash your hands. President Barack Obama wove it into his back-to-school speech. Disney is selling hand-washing timers so that kids wash their hands for the proper 20-25 seconds. Yes, lathering up with soap and water helps kill germs and prevent the spread of nasty bugs. But it’s not foolproof. It won’t guarantee your safety from swine flu. But I’m willing to agree that it’s better to be safe than sorry. I was once all worked up over people buying the flu masks, but I find myself dousing my hands with anti-bacterial gel so much during the day that my desk smells of its vanilla scent. Yet, as I type these words, I wonder about the microbes living in my keyboard. I’m sure they are there, feeding off the granola crumbs I’ve tried to wipe out. Our keyboards, cell phones and rings — they all need to be cleaned more often. Every time I turn around there’s a new study on the germs at the gym, on the showerhead, in a handbag. And let’s not even talk about dirty money. Dr. Oz says if the flu virus mixes with nasal mucus it could live up to 17 days on paper bills. Gross.According to the World Health Organization, more than a quarter-million cases of swine flu have been confirmed worldwide, with more than 2,800 deaths. Just last week, a 24-year-old Independence woman died of the disease. People are scared. I have friends and co-workers who won’t touch doorknobs and secretly keep an eye on those who skirt washing their hands in the bathroom. I have a friend who washes her hands after petting my pup. And I mean every time.Here I am, cleaning my hands for the fifth time today. I’m a full-fledged hand-sanitizer freak. Despite my best efforts, I’ve managed to catch a cold, and my sinuses are wacky. All right already: I’d better buy that flu mask.

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Posted on Sun, Sep. 20, 2009 11:31 PM

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COMMENTARY

Eww, I’m surrounded by germs

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We’re living in germaphobic times. You can’t get a common cold without your doctor sticking a swab up your nose to test for the flu.

Since the rise of swine flu, we hear it all the time: Wash your hands.

President Barack Obama wove it into his back-to-school speech. Disney is selling hand-washing timers so that kids wash their hands for the proper 20-25 seconds.

Yes, lathering up with soap and water helps kill germs and prevent the spread of nasty bugs. But it’s not foolproof. It won’t guarantee your safety from swine flu.

But I’m willing to agree that it’s better to be safe than sorry.

I was once all worked up over people buying the flu masks, but I find myself dousing my hands with anti-bacterial gel so much during the day that my desk smells of its vanilla scent. Yet, as I type these words, I wonder about the microbes living in my keyboard. I’m sure they are there, feeding off the granola crumbs I’ve tried to wipe out.

Our keyboards, cell phones and rings — they all need to be cleaned more often. Every time I turn around there’s a new study on the germs at the gym, on the showerhead, in a handbag. And let’s not even talk about dirty money. Dr. Oz says if the flu virus mixes with nasal mucus it could live up to 17 days on paper bills. Gross.

According to the World Health Organization, more than a quarter-million cases of swine flu have been confirmed worldwide, with more than 2,800 deaths. Just last week, a 24-year-old Independence woman died of the disease.

People are scared. I have friends and co-workers who won’t touch doorknobs and secretly keep an eye on those who skirt washing their hands in the bathroom. I have a friend who washes her hands after petting my pup. And I mean every time.

Here I am, cleaning my hands for the fifth time today. I’m a full-fledged hand-sanitizer freak.

Despite my best efforts, I’ve managed to catch a cold, and my sinuses are wacky. All right already: I’d better buy that flu mask.

Jeneé Osterheldt’s column runs in FYI on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. To reach her, call 816-234-4380 or e-mail josterheldt@kcstar.com.

Posted on Sun, Sep. 20, 2009 11:31 PM

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Comment (0)

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