...everytime you use your manners, an angel does not get sick from your disgusting germs
Although I don't live on an airplane, I feel like other people are repeatedly showering me with their germs in situations where I don't have an emergency exit at my disposal.
Whether it be in line at the grocery store or sitting at my desk at work, I often find myself right in the line of fire of someone sick who chooses to project their germs like a sprinkler system all over the space I'm occupying.
It never fails. And maybe I'm biased because I rarely get sick, but I just don't get it.
What is so hard about covering your mouth when you cough or shielding the rest of the world from your sneezes? Or just not touching people in general when you're sick? Or, better yet, washing your hands throughout the day?
It should be as simple as saying "please" and "thank you," but much like what's happened with those simple phrases, society has found better things to do - like walking around in their pajamas and avoiding a hard day's work - instead of demonstrating common courtesy.
I struggle with the idea that people just aren't aware of good manners. It falls along the lines of behavior that should already be habitual, like pulling your pants down before using the restroom, or closing the refrigerator door upon ending your search for food.
Admittedly, I am a bit of a germaphobe. I can't stand when people "mouth-breathe" too close to me and my surrounding area, my blood boils when someone coughs in my direction and I have to count backwards slowly when someone sneezes on or near me to calm myself down.
Weird? Maybe, but I make no apologies. Of all the phobias that are out there, I'd say my germaphobia is pretty harmless.
But your germs aren't.
It's not the opinion of crazy liberal hippies or some Internet rumor that germs get you sick. It is a fact.
The common cold and the flu are transmitted when tiny little droplets propelled from an infected person's respiratory system make their way into another person's eyes, nose or mouth.
And all you have to do to avoid being the supplier of sickness is use some common courtesy and practice decent hygiene. Decent. Not crazy, over-the-top, obsessive hygiene, just basic behavior like not spraying your own snot all over your hands then touching something someone else may come in contact with that day.
I think you can handle that. I think we all can handle that. And, please, instill this behavior in your children at a young age. I understand some kids are too young to grasp the concept of how germs are spread and why it is important to keep them to yourself, but the earlier you start, the better chance these habits have of sticking with the kid for life.
A good example of this is my best friend's 18-month old daughter. She's already has "thank you" down pat. She uses it correctly and she uses it often.
Eighteen months on this earth and she has better manners than a disappointingly large number of adults out there.
So get with the program.
Although you're probably a lovely human being that people love to share time with, no one wants you to lend them your germs. It sucks to be sick. Runny noses are annoying. Coughing hurts your abs after a couple days and a red nose is only cute when it's on a reindeer.
So, here are some tips on avoiding and preventing the spread of the flu and common cold, courtesy of WebMD:
- Wash your hands frequently. Use an alcohol-based gel if you don't have access to water.
- Cough and sneeze into a tissue or into your hands. Wash your hands afterward.
- When you cough, turn your head away from others.
- If you have a sudden sneeze and no tissue, bend your arm and sneeze into it.
- Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. This prevents germs from entering your body.
- Wash any shared surfaces (like phones and keyboards) frequently. Viruses can live on surfaces for several hours.
- Stay away from crowds during cold and flu season.
- Use your head for more than a hat rack.
(Wasakoski, a News-Item editor, is a graduate of Von Lee School of Aesthetics and is certified as a professional makeup artist.)
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