PSA: Swine Flu Goes to Washington

Photo courtesy of a friend with a really perverse sense of humor

So, swine flu might be in Seattle, but we won't know until the tests come back from the lab a few days hence. In the meantime, you can follow a few simple steps to prevent the spread of anything germy, just in case:

• Don't lick any pigs. Seriously. The pigs don't like it.
• WASH YOUR HANDS, especially after you've been out among the germy public. Use alcohol based hand sanitizer if you don't have a chance to get to a sink (Use the 60% alcohol stuff - anything less is less than effective).
• Don't hang out with sick people. If you're sick, don't be a dick - stay home.
• Try not to touch your face all the time. If you have to (something in your eye, itchy nose), use a tissue.
• Cover your face with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, and throw away the tissue after one use. If you have super sneezes like me, use several tissues.
• Sanitize public spaces more frequently, like common areas at your work. At home, maybe just the doorknobs and the sinks. Use actual disinfectant sprays and wipes - soap and water works for your hands, but not so much for germy hard surfaces.

Other than that, make sure you have enough food and supplies (including your meds) around the house for a week, just in case. Also, if you have mild flu-like symptoms, stay home and drinks lots of fluids. If you have severe flu-like symptoms, give your doctor (or a doctor) a call and get some advice on what to do next.