Tracy Press

Simple courtesy can spare others during cold and flu season, a letter-writer suggests.

EDITOR,

I had to run to the local store and get some groceries. While I was standing in line at the self-checkout, the person in front of me was obviously ill with the flu or had a bad cold. After wiping his nose several times with his bare hands, he proceeded to use the touch screen to complete his transactions. The touch screen was very dirty and soiled.

I stepped out of the line and went through the traditional process that was longer, and then I spoke to the cashier about the filthy touch screen. I have to give her credit for immediately calling the person who monitors the self-checkout process. But should I have had to go through all that?

During this time of the flu season, I think it is important to stress the importance of washing hands and passing germs. I keep a supply of anti-bacterial waterless hand cleaner in my car. Maybe these big chain grocery stores should do the same. They can certainly afford to provide a waterless hand cleaner at their checkout stands. It would be in their best interest to help keep their customers healthy and returning.

In the meantime, we can all do our part by keeping our germs to ourselves. I do not want your flu or whatever it is that ails you, and I am sure no else does, either. If you are sick, be considerate. Use a handkerchief or an anti-bacterial soap before you touch things that others have to touch. Keep your germs to yourself.

— Ubbo Coty, Tracy

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written by Polite Parents , March 08, 2008

This can go further too. Parents need to keep their children home from school when they are sick. Don't take them to daycare. Stay home and take care of your sick little one, so other kids don't get ill. There's nothing worse than a parent who gives their kiddo Motrin to cover up a fever and sends their kid on to his/her daily activities. Not only are you exposing every other kids affiliated with your kid to illness, but your kiddo isn't feeling well and is miserable. As an adult and a parent you know how bad it feels to have to go to work when you aren't feeling well or have to run after the kids all day if you're a stay at home parent. Imagine having to endure a day sitting in a desk, listening to the teacher, having to go outside for recess, walking to the cafeteria for lunch, p.e. etc. That's a long day for a little one who isn't well. Plus you run the risk of them getting worse and ending up having to miss more school when it's all said and done. Also, teach your children the same courtesy as this writer is expressing. Teach them to cover their cough, wash their hands, use a tissue when they are sick. Apparently a parent never taught the guy at the self checkout.