Tis the season for the Flu

[SevenOfNine]

As drivers you are at a risk more so because of the many public places and the multitude of people you come in contact through your daily work.

Most of you know how to guard against catching the dreaded flu or cold but I am betting most do not always follow the simple steps that can help you avoid getting sick.

Most important is Handwashing
Wash your hands often. Wash in comfortable temperature water and use soap. Scrub for at least 15 seconds. Carry an alcohol based hand gel for times when you cannot get to a sink.
Especially when you use any public bathroom and at your home terminal.

Another thing most don't think of is, once your done handwashing you want to try and avoid opening the bathroom door with your bare hand,after all not everyone has washed their hands after they have done their business. Keep ahold of the paper towel you used to dry off with and grab the handle with it,you can always find a trash can to toss the towel in somewhere.

Avoid Touching Your Face and Eyes: An easy way to spread cold and flu virus is by touching a contaminated surface or someone who's ill, and then rubbing your eyes or nose or touching your mouth.

Clean Surfaces Frequently: Use disinfectant cleaners,like Lysol spray to routinely clean steering wheels,door handles of the truck and any other surfaces that may be contaminated.

You can use those plain baby wipes that you can slip in your pockets for public phones,computer keyboards,even the table can be given a quick wipe down at your favorite lunch restaurant.

Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes: Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze to limit the spread of the airborne particles. Then wash your hands again. Always avoid shaking hands if you have been coughing and sneezing. If you explain, I'm quite sure others will appreciate and understand the gesture.

All of the above might sound excessive but remember just how miserable you felt when you came down with that last cold and flu you had.

This year the germ nasty that is going around big time is Norovirus (Stomach Flu) and it's nasty and hits fast and hard. I am just now starting to recover from it and trust me it was 72 hours of sheer hell! It's not fatal but you sure feel like you would be better off dead!


Be safe and stay healty driver!