Swine Flu: 5 Inventions that Can Help Minimize the Spread

Believe me, when I say there is fervor throughout the country about the swine flu. People are afraid of getting it. In fact, thousands of people are standing in long lines to get vaccinated and doctors are complaining their high risk patients need it but can't get it, and then there was a recent story out of New York about two women on a subway who got into a scuffle because one was coughing without covering her mouth and the other didn't want to get swine flu!

Who can blame her? After all, the government and the media have done a great job of frightening most of the country into a panic. The panic has heightened now that we're into flu season and kids are back in school. There are some inventions out there that help minimize the spread of germs including the swine flu. These are my top 5 inventions:

1. Sniffle Buddy. This great invention for those of us with kids is an elasticized band made of Velcro that you place around your child's wrist that keeps their sniffles and the germs off their sleeves. The band easily slips off and can be placed in the washing machine. This is a great invention because kids are more likely to sniffle into a cool gadget like this rather than use Kleenex. To find out more about Sniffle Buddy, go here.

2. Soap. Washing your hands is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness. Hand washing only requires soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer - a cleanser that doesn't require water. But to be effective hand washing must be done properly and for at least 20 seconds. Click here to get information on hand washing Dos and Don'ts.

3. Sure Fit Transit Cover. The holiday season is upon us and for those of you who have to fly on germ infested planes, you may consider this invention. This is an antibacterial cover that slips over your airplane seat.

4. Vaccinations. I know parents have a lot of concern about the safety of the recent swine flu vaccine, but in general studies have shown vaccinations to be safe, and all reports are that the current swine flu vaccine is made very similar to the seasonal flu vaccine. For more information about the vaccine, check out the Center for Disease Control website.

5. Automatic Doors/Toilets. This is my favorite invention. Let's be honest. Toilets and Doors are some of the dirtiest places that germs live and grow. Automatic Doors and Toilets minimize and even eliminate the need to have to touch dirty door knobs or toilet handles.

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