Swine Flu a Case for Social Distancing

     A few days ago, I suggested the best way to avoid the flu, Swine Flu, Colds, Diseases in general is to Wash Your Hands. Today, I was clicking on headlines and ran across a flu deterent called Social Distancing. It goes beyond washing your hands all the way into avoiding people and staying home from work, play and any public place if you feel sick.
     I exclaimed one day during one of my anti-social periods that I like people, you just won’t find me going out of my way to hang out with them. At the time I made that declaration I was working with a lot of people in an effort to effect Social Change, of all things. That part of my life is over for the moment but the article I read about Social Distancing has validated my stance in an odd way.
     So, you may wonder what it means to become Socially Distant.
     First, all of the bacon and ham eaters have been encouraged to go ahead and indulge because you don’t catch this flu from eating pork. If you must have your gathering that involves ham sandwiches, though, don’t hang out with the guy who looks like he has more than a week-end hangover.
     If you feel sick. Don’t hang out at the Emergency Room. If you really are ill, you are going to spread it to the person behind you who has a hot appendix and this person has enough problems without you adding to the mix by passing on the flu. I’m not recommending you stay home and die, if you think you may be sick, wait a while, if you really are sick, by all means, call your doctor.
     I don’t know who would have the connections to hoard antivirals, but it is being discouraged. Maybe, the fellow in the hoodie who hangs out by the High School has them mixed in with the extracurricular drugs he sells. In any case, wherever you connect to get these drugs, don’t stockpile them.
     Just before you panic, and panic is not recommended by the CDC, try a little Social Distancing. This practice of staying home if you feel sick, not shaking hands and compulsive hand washing was practiced during the flu pandemic in 1918. Considering the huge death toll, I do question the effectiveness of this technique, but, still, if you are well enough to be out and about, don’t be out there randomly shaking hands, hugging or otherwise engaging in germ spreading behaviors. Carry the hand sanitizer in your pocket or purse and use it, often.
     Social Distancing is a good idea, at least for now, and always use protection if you do find yourself in a germ sharing situation. The CDC has regular updates. Please comment, add your tips on avoiding illnesses.