Swine Flu Precautions: Dodging the Bug

I work in a photo lab for a major department store in Altoona, Pennsylvania. This area is in the center of different local colleges and schools. What a better way to even get the common cold? Many teenagers, children and their parents often use our services.

When working with film and digital prints you are always working with the customers. They are handing you film, you are working at the kiosk with touch screens for digital printing and of course, you are always handling money. I believe money is the dirtiest way to spread germs.

We are fortunate enough to have a sink in our lab. We always have Germ X and hand soap on hand. I can safely say we are constantly washing our hands. Especially if we've been near anyone sick. I really feel it's very thoughtless of someone who is obviously sick, coughing and sneezing to expose themselves to others just to print pictures. I guess that is beside the point. There are many people like that.

I, myself have asthma so I have always been careful about the germs. My associates would even tease me and threaten to tie a bottle of Germ X around my neck. You just can not totally avoid germs but I have always taken the precautions. Seemed every cold I had gotten went straight to my chest. I did get a pneumonia vaccine last winter which made the biggest difference. After that I fought off the colds much better.

We are constantly cleaning and wiping the counters, kiosk, cash registers, equipment and even the telephone down. It sure keeps our department looking nice too. We have always done this though. If I were allowed I'd even spray the cash drawer with Lysol.

When I use the restroom and I have always done this in any public restroom. I do not sit on a toilet seat, I wash my hands and I use the paper towel to open the door and throw the towel in a trash can. May sound a bit like I am over doing it but I have seen many people not wash their hands and grab that door handle. I hate public restrooms but when you work there for eight hours a day it does become a necessity.

Overall I feel you need to try and take the best of care of yourself. Being in my fifties my doctor has advised me to start watching my diet and taking better care of myself. I am not longer at that age where you can eat what you want and not care. Believe me, it catches up. So I have been eating better, trying to get more exercise. Even if it's only walking and getting more rest. The rest is a big plus for me. When I find myself getting run down that is when I am more susceptible to getting sick. I am sure that happens with anyone. I also take multivitamins and Vitamin C which I feel makes a big difference.

I think that using common sense and cleanliness are the best ways to avoid getting sick. It is not like you have to go out of your way to do this. It is just working on living a healthy way. As a parent your children will easily learn from you. Mine did.