Monday, October 10, 2005

Hands Off!

OK, this is sorta gross, but I was in the restroom washing my hands (singing "Happy Birthday" twice during the process, just like you're supposed to), and I noticed at least three girls exit the stalls and not wash their hands before leaving the restroom. Didn't their mothers teach them that hand washing is essential?

This really bothers me, especially at this time of year when people are starting to get sick. I am leery of every doorknob, every handle. I feel the need to carry a bottle of alcohol to sterilize my hands after touching anything outside of my office. Am I paranoid?

I have noticed that some women in the restroom are much more cautious than I usually am. They will finish washing their hands and then not turn off the water until after drying their hands, turning off the faucet with a paper towel and then carrying the paper towel to the door, using it to touch the door handle as well. I used to think that this was a bit of overkill, but I find that I am now doing the same thing.

With all the talk of a possible flu epidemic, I would think that people would be more cautious. I know I certainly am more picky about what I touch and whose hand I shake.

10 comments:

Tony Arnold said...

Avoid ever rubbing your eyes or your nose. This is the most common way to get a virus. If you must rub your nose or eyes, wash your hands first.

BTW, do people think you are strange singing Happy Birthday to yourself in the bathroom? ;-)

Tony

jettybetty said...

I am probably in the latter more cautious category--and I do avoid touching my eyes and nose--and I do take a flu shot--when they let me have one.

And don't let Tony get to you--you keep singing Happy Birthday--I personally count 1001, 1002,...1010. I do hope that's long enough! ;-)

And thanks for calling me on Friday--I loved your call!

JMG said...

I went to the grocery store after work and didn't think about the handle of the cart until after I got back into my truck and rubbed my eye. Then I thought, "Eeeww!"

JB, I enjoyed talking to you. The next time you're in Middle Tennessee, you stay a little longer so we can get together.

Tony, I only sing solo--solo nobody can hear me.

jettybetty said...

Well, today I had to sing happy birthday at the appropriate times--I like it much better than counting.

And I tried really hard not to touch my eyes and nose when I was walking with a co-worker that coughed all over me!!!

Wasp Jerky said...

I'm a compulsive nose and eye toucher. I'm probably dooming us all.

JMG said...

Kevin, your own eyes and nose, I hope.

Apparently, I haven't been as careful as I need to be. I went home sick yesterday and am staying home today. I'm hopeful that this little incident will build up my immunity to the yuckier stuff that will be going around later. I really need to start taking vitamin C again.

Ayatollah Mugsy said...

I must confess that I don't wash my paws after doing my business. But please don't hold it against me -- without a sink in the back yard, it's difficult.

JMG said...

Mugsy, I'll say that you're probably a lot cleaner than a lot of people. I'd shake hands with you any day. Heck, I'd probably even let you kiss me!

Little Light said...

I'm always horrified to see people leave the bathroom without washing their hands. I'm also horrified when I see someone plop down on a toilet without so much as eyeballing it for residue, much less covering it with paper first (this would only happen in a single stall bathroom with someone I know, but still). I always wash my hands after a ride on the subway. Yech! And I won't open a bathroom door without a paper towel.

Jana said...

I haven't read the comments but I just wanted to say that I am one of those Overkill Women!!! I don't get what's up with people not washing their hands after a trip to the john. Gross. And I always feel respect for those people who DO. I'm with you on the germaphobia, JMG.