With flu season in full swing germs are spreading faster than ever. At the same time the number of people covering their mouths and noses seems to be at an all time low.
Taking a walk down the hallway during passing time is already a sticky situation on any given day. There are the kids running to get to their next class, those who chose to stop right in the middle of the hallway to have a conversation, and the kids with the butter fingers who constantly seem to be dropping things. Now take flu season and the mix suddenly becomes a lot more… disgusting.
As if the germs are not spreading quick enough on their own some people enjoy helping them speed up there travels.
Now included are a few new groups of students in the hallways. There are the kids who are coughing all over everyone else because they choose not to cover their mouths. Also, the ones who chose to wipe their noses on their sleeves, while everyone else hopes they do not rub up against them.
Despite the fact that Woodland does seem to have a tissue shortage, there are still paper towels, among other paper products, which would do the job just fine. And if these products are not suitable than perhaps bringing some tissues from home would be a solution to the problem.
Along with tissues the school does seem to have a difficult time supplying some other germ deterrents. One of these would be soap. One of the most effective ways to kill germs is simply by hand washing. But, washing hands without soap is not helping to kill these germs as the ingredients in the soap are what does the trick.
Even if soap is not available it is still better than not to run your hands under warm water. This does not mean turn the water on, quickly place your hands underneath the faucet, take them away, and walk out the bathroom. The proper way to wash your hands according to cdc.gov is to:
- Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap
- Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.
Now while hand washing, mouth covering, and nose blowing into tissues will not prevent germs from spreading they will help to minimize it.
However, if someone is really sick it would be appreciated by everyone, students and staff, if they would stay home. However, infecting everyone else with whatever illness may be traveling inside their body is not appreciated by anyone.
