Editorial

Communicable diseases stay in news spotlight

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

We've frequently taken to the soap box about vaccinations, and there is more affirmation about the importance of the topic.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported 215 cases of whooping cough in January, emphasizing the need for children to receive routine vaccinations to prevent this potentially fatal disease.

Coupled with the ongoing outbreak of measles, traced back to Disneyland visitors, the recurrance underlines the need to make sure children are protected.

Politicians are getting into the act, of course, with potential nominees Chris Christie, Hillary Clinton, Rand Paul and Ben Carson joining President Obama, John Boehner and others in taking varying positions in the balancing act between good medicine and individual rights to vaccinate or not.

In the end, the decision lies with you and your health care provider, and let's hope it's an informed decision.

Meanwhile, everyone can agree there are things we can do the avoid getting sick, including keeping germs and viruses out of our systems.

That's not as easy as it sounds, according to commercial cleaning service Coverall North America Inc., which lists some of the surprising places you can pick up a case of the flu:

* ATM machines can expose you to an average of 1,200 germs on each key. Punch in your PIN with your knuckles, which are less likely to find their way into your mouth or eyes.

* Shopping carts are covered with saliva and bacteria -- use the wipes stores provide before buying your groceries.

* Restroom soap dispensers are probably covered with germs, but did you think about bacteria living inside.

* Food trays -- are they really disinfected between use?

* Water fountains and handrails. Don't touch either unless you have to.

* Toy stores and electronics departments.

* Your phone or purse. Wipe them down frequently or wash if possible. Your phone carries ten times more germs than a toilet seat, and your purse gets dropped on the floor, countertop and other unsavory places.

* At home, the bathroom sink, kitchen countertop area are bacteria breeding grounds.

What to do?

Use an effective disinfectant such as bleach, stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds (sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice,) cough into your elbow and, yes, get vaccinated for flu.

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