Simple Ways to Win the Battle Against Swine Flu

For months I've kept a yellow container of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes on my desk in the newsroom.

The label says the product "kills flu virus," specifically Influenza A2.

I'm not sure if it kills swine influenza A (H1N1), but it's the best defense I have tonight.

I seldom use the wipes, but in light of the swine flu outbreak, I decided it was time to sanitize my telephone, computer keyboard and desk surface.

I opened the container of wipes.

From a container of 35, only one wipe was left.

I got all the mileage I could out of that one disinfecting wipe. I'll buy more as soon as I can.

I also read the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at this web site: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm. It's titled "what You Can Do to Stay Healthy."

It contains essential information on the swine flu and how to keep yourself and others from getting sick.

These are the CDC's top recommendations:

1. WHEN YOU COUGH OR SNEEZE, COVER YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH WITH A TISSUE, AND THROW THE TISSUE AWAY.

2. WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN WITH SOAP AND WATER, ESPECIALLY AFTER YOU COUGH OR SNEEZE.

3. TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GERMS, AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE OR MOUTH.

4. AVOID CLOSE CONTACT WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE SICK.

5. IF YOU BECOME SICK, STAY HOME FROM WORK OR SCHOOL, AND LIMIT CONTACT WITH OTHERS TO KEEP FROM INFECTING THEM.

Tips that are so basic, so simple, yet so hard sometimes to get people to follow.

Are you taking note of this, you workaholics who believe the company would literally fall apart if you're not there?

I've been supporting myself for 32 years, and I've learned that even when I'm out sick, the news will still get done. My coworkers are professionals. They know what to do and how to do it. If I'm sick and unable to work, the News Channel 7 store won't close, and neither will yours. I won't stay out one day longer than necessary, but I'll stay out as long as it takes to get well and not be contagious.

Think about the consequences if you come to work sick and spread germs on every telephone, computer, doorknob and handle you touch. The CDC says some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on such surfaces. Each of your coughs and sneezes sends a contagious spray.

We've had occasions in the newsroom in past years where we literally Lysoled the desks and equipment to stop the spread of various "bugs."

This time, I'm stocking up on Clorox wipes. I'll wipe down surfaces where germs could be. I'll wash my hands frequently.

And I'll take sick days if I indeed get sick. It's a smarter move than doing something that would hurt my coworkers or hurt our news product.

But I hope I don't get sick.

I hope you don't either.