How do you avoid getting sick?

[Dinner]

I have to admite that ever since I took microbiology in college I have been slightly nerotic about germs. I wash my hands a good 3-5 times a day and when I use a public restroom I try not to touch anything with my bare hands. I even go so far as (after washing my hands with soap & water) to dry my hands off and then use the old paper towl to turn off the water and open the door before throwing the paper towl away (I also try not to touch my eyes or nose unless I know my hands are clean).

Just think about how many people use dirty hands to touch the sink nob and the door nob before you got there. I just can't help but think about how easy it would be for a germ or virus to get around in an enviroment like that. I don't know if my precautions have been responsible but I haven't been sick for the last four years since I've adopted them.

With the recent outbreaks of SARS in Asia and Canada it may help us to take a closer look at this subject. What do you folks do to keep yourseleves from getting sick?

[SlowwHand]

They can treat this type disorder.

[Urban Ranger]

Reasonable personal hygine, like washing my hands after I use the bathroom. I also use the towel trick.

Another thing: cold showers

[Dinner]

UR: How do cold showers help?

Sloww: We aren't talking about a disorder. Just a general awareness of ways to prevent the spread of desiese.

[Gangerolf]

I hear SARS can live on eg a doorhandle for several days (or hours?)

[Az]

Actually, Germs in small amounts are good for you. Keeps your immune system in shape.

[Harry Seldon]

I just quit eating poop.

[Zero]

i dont wash my hand, piss all over it, and suck my fingers.

Seriously, if you took bio you should ALSO know that preventing yourself from exposure to virus/bacteria only leaves you unprepared when you become exposed. I was just kidding about my hygiene part, but seriously dont be afraid of ingesting something thats been contaminated. As long as it doesnt kill you, it will be alright.

Besides when you've washed your hands.. do you really think you've killed all the germs? there is still a probability that one of them clung on to your hand and probability it will enter your body when you get in contact with mouth etc. Even when you washed it million times.

So just keep your self clean and limit youself from overexposure. But just accept the fact that germs will come in and out of your body.

[JohnT]

I don't worry about it. People who worry about being sick tend to be sicker than those who don't. I have no idea which cart is following which horse, but hell, I don't have to: I'm not sick.

[Dauphin]

Re: How do you avoid getting sick?

I have found one of the best ways to avoid colds is to not take journeys on crowded public transport, especially the underground.

[rah]

Just have your company change their attendance policy similar to what they've done at my company. Instead of sick days, we now have personal days. (10 a year) and you can take them for whatever reason. Now no one is ever too sick to come into work because they don't want to waste their personal days being sick.

People actually calling in to say they aren't coming in due to illness has been reduced by 90%.

RAH

[Dinner]

JohnT: I haven't been sick for years and before that I never really got sick even when I was a typical boy who played in the mud and did all sorts of outdoor stuff.

BC: Would it help if they put better ventilation in the underground? Also I remember reading some where that breathing through your nose actually helps prevent colds.

[Bugs ****ing Bunny]

Easy. I catch every disease going and build up a resistance. Typhoid Mary lived to a ripe old age, after all.

[Dinner]

Lazarus: Controlled enoculation is actually a good idea. Believe it or not the Army gave me more shots for this sort of stuff then would fit into my passports medical section.

[Gatekeeper]

How to avoid getting sick:

1. Get 7 to 8 hours sleep every night.
2. Exercise daily (15 to 30 minutes or more).
3. Eat healthy (for the most part).
4. Wash your hands.
5. Take showers/baths.
6. Avoid too much stress.
7. Make love (preferably a monagamous [sp] relationship).

Gatekeeper