It's the Flu - You Swine!

The recent outbreak of the Swine Flu does have serious implications if things are not handled properly, but the barrage of media attention it's getting is driving people into a panic. As serious as the Swine Flu can become, I don't think people realize that over 200,000 people get the flu virus every year and 36,000 die from it. Those are pretty hefty numbers when compared to the Swine Flu in its infancy as it is right now. Yes, we need to stay on top of it and be prepared, but the daily barrage of fear being thrown out by the media is driving some people insane.

The one good thing that all the Swine Flu press is doing however, is reminding people about some important things that have been long forgotten.

• Wash your hands often... with soap!
• If you're sick, stay home. Employers cannot continue to put fear into employees that stay home sick from work. It's an endless cycle of germ spreading and how productive do you think things will be when all of your employees are in the hospital?
• Have concern for your fellow human. When I'm sick, I try to isolate myself from everyone, because I don't want them to go through what I'm going through. It's temporary so we just have to grin and bear it.

Point one above is really key. I can't say how many times I've seen guys use the restroom and walk out without even looking at the sinks.  Truly nasty, but now we know why the fist-bump was created. In all seriousness, don't let this media hype overwhelm you. Just stay alert, informed and keep things clean and healthy.