The Flu & You (& your business!)

Lock the doors! Stay away from all other human beings! Wear a mask and incinerated clothing daily and carry a can of Lysol with you at all times!

Actually, there are relatively simple, common sense ways to deal with the newest global catastrophe identified by our vigilant 24/7 news organizations. Before I share those simple protocols, I'd like to clear up some misconceptions about the flu.

• You can still eat the poor little piggies! The swine flu outbreak should not deter you from your springtime bar-b-que. The flu is not spread by eating pigs; it's named that because before the clever little virus mutated, it was primarily a pig disease.
  
  
• The great mystery: Why are a higher percentage of people dying in Mexico than in the States and other areas? While not a politically correct sentiment and Michael Moore's incontrovertible research, The U.S. does still have the best health care system on earth. We starting tracking and reacting to this outbreak even before the virus became the latest illegal alien to cross the Mexican border. If you pay attention to the protocols specified by the CDC and other medical advisors your chances of getting the flu will be greatly reduced and your chances of full recovery after a few days of suffering will be greatly enhanced.
  
  
• The flu can kill. In fact, flu kills about 30,000 people every year. The Great Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918 killed about 300,000 people in the States. We had the potential of another serious epidemic in 1976 which led to a controversial inoculation program. At any rate, the media seems to be relying heavily on 1918 data. Remember also in 1918 that medical science had still not found penicillin (I know, not effective against viruses, just making a point!), we still locked up "mentally challenged" people in "sanitariums" and we were just barely out of the stage where the local doctor was likely the local barber simply because he had some useful cutlery!
  
  
• Small children and the elderly are at the greatest risk. That's always true with a viral outbreak. It's smart to take extra precautions for newborn infants, smaller children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
  

OK…now on to the common sense part of our program. You have a great deal of POWER when it comes to preventing the spread of the flu. Remember in Black Belt Mindset power is "your ability to perform or act effectively." You can learn much more about that by reading Dynamic Components of Personal POWER. The point is you can take effective action to mitigate your chances of infection and to help keep others safe as well.

Your grandmother may have been a medical genius! Here's what she likely told you and these tips are validated by the Center for Disease Control and the Surgeon General!

• Wash your hands.
  
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
  
• Keep your stuff clean.
  
• Stay home when you're sick.
  
• Keep your hands and fingers out of your eyes, nose and mouth.
  

We shake hands a lot, particularly people in business. Wash your hands or carry a bottle of disinfectant hand cleaner with you. If you're paranoid about antiseptic hand cleaners destroying your immune system, don't worry about it; that's been de-bunked.

We also stuff ourselves into planes, trains, offices, schools and elevators on a daily basis with people who may not head their grandmother's advice. The CDC does advise wearing a mask in crowded areas where people may have the virus. Of course, you can also get yourself a full "pandemic emergency defense system" including mask, gloves, goggles, disinfectant hand-wipes and full haz-mat overalls. I found a bargain on volume orders of full kits at FLU ARMOUR! (I didn't find an affiliate link, so I'm not making a commission by sending you there!)

All joking aside, this is probably a good idea if you work in a hospital or clinic, but I think we can handle school and the office with just a couple of more common sense steps and a little personal responsibility:

• STAY HOME WHEN YOU'RE SICK! I know grandma already told us this, but it bears repeating. I'll also add: KEEP YOUR KIDS HOME WHEN THEY'RE SICK…even if it means staying home with them! It's selfish and stupid to take your germs to where they're going to harm other people.
  
  This especially goes for people who use public transportation. I travel a lot and I don't want to sit on a 5 hour flight next to your selfish coughing and wheezing butt. I guarantee if you sit next to me on the plane you'll be subjected to a continual flow of high-pressure air from every nozzle I can point at you!
  
  
• EMPLOYERS: SUPPORT EMPLOYEE's DECISION TO STAY HOME! OK, some people will take advantage and fake it, but that's way better than having half your business out with the flu at one time. If you've got employees working with the public, what could be worse for your business during this scare than having your employees sneezing and coughing all over customers and prospects?
  
  If your employees are staying home to nurse sick children, support that decision as well. It's the right thing to do.
  

One of the best ways to prevent spreading this or any other nasty virus around is to keep your own immune system healthy and fully functioning. Eat properly, exercise regularly and try to reduce stress in your life; simple, not easy! This requires Discipline, the most important Dynamic Component of Personal POWER! If you need some help in that area go to JimBouchard.org and I'll do what I can!

Be vigilant, not paranoid. Just like the Scouts, be prepared! Lay in some supplies in case you or someone in your household needs to hunker down for a few days. If symptoms are severe, get thee to the doctor.

Best thoughts for HEALTH and happiness!