One of the things you can't control in a flu environment is what other people do. When I cough or sneeze, I try to do it into my elbow. But I work with so many people that either cough right into the air, or cover their mouth with their hand, then use that hand to give something to you.

Using the 'public' restroom at work, it amazes me how many people leave the stalls and don't bother to wash their hands. After you wash your hands, hold on to that paper towel and use it to open the door, then toss it as you leave.

Try to get out of the habit of touching your eyes or nose with your fingers. If you have to rub, use your knuckle or the back of your hand, which is less likely to be contaminated when you pick up something that could have last been handled by an infected person.

I work for a Native American casino. I will bet a paycheck that as long as there are at least 3 customers coming in per day, they will stay open, and lean heavily on anyone who wants to stay home. I have no doubt whatsoever that they don't give a rat's patootie that they could be fostering the spread of a major disease.

Another thought: the 'normal flu season' usually tends to run from November to March, when people are mostly confined with other people, rather than sometimes being in the fresh air. If you're going to prepare, I would prepare with winter in mind.

I wonder if there is a particularly nasty outbreak in certain areas, if truckers would refuse to enter that area to deliver goods?

I am cynically imagining how the news media would welcome something like this. Can you imagine the hyteria they would be trying to foster, all in the name of diseminating valuable information? <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Sue