Skinny on the Germs

System

Went back and confirmed statements as given by EHS instructor and then sought medical opinion from company nurse practitioner. Here is what nurse practitioner had to say: The HIV germ is a very, very delicate virus, sensitive to light and temperature change, and is easily affected by hand sanitizers, thus it does not live long outside the body. However, having said this, she said that given the right conditions, it is possible, albeit highly improbable, that the virus could be transmitted in the circumstances given in the example. Alternatively, with the hepatitis germ, since it is a hardier virus and can live outside the body longer, it is conceivable the germ may pass to unsuspecting shoppers on the handlebar of a cart.

Don D

I'm beginning to understand Howard Hughes.

ritaanz

Gloves, anyone?

ray a

Good argument for shopping on-line.

Don D

Good luck with the groceries Ray.

JM in ATL

I am your typical germ-aphobe. Why did I read this thread?

Now I will be sure to carry extra wet-ones and purell in my purse.

I avoid germs at all costs. I don't touch hand-rails, gas pumps, door handles, etc. with my bare hands. If I do, it's purell immediately if I can't wash them. People are so gross and nasty and I just don't want to share in their nastiness. And I certainly don't eat at a buffet. That is the ultimate GROSS OUT.

Besides, you do know what buffet stands for don't you? **WARNING** If you are touchy feely sensitive type, DON'T READ THIS.

Buffet:
B= Big
U= Ugly
F= Fat
F= Folks
E= Eating
T= Together.

Don't be offended, it's a condition of my germ-aphobe disease.

Don D

I'll bet you're a sight when you shake hands with an applicant and have to sit through a 30 minute interview with your hands between your knees wishing you could go scrub them. You must not work in manufacturing or any industry where you have to actually come in contact with objects other than your own posessions. Do you ever eat out? Does your husband wear a mask? Sorry, I'm getting personal. Jeeesh!

rad

Hey, Don, I was at a networking seminar and the jack*ss host thought it would be a great exercise to spend ten minutes shaking hands and introducing ourselves to as many people as possible...I tried to sneak out but was "caught". By the end of this torture, oh, I'm sorry, exercise, I thought I'd die of an anxiety attack. You bet I put that in my evaluation, but very nicely.

HRQ

Better not join my industry. Small children, boogey noses wiped on the backs their hands, forearms or sleeves, and who knows how many germs they spread between each other, the bathroom, water fountain, snacks, and all the books and toys in the classrooms.

We require teachers and children wash their hands practically every five minutes, but kids have a way of spreading germs anyway. It's amazing we all are surviving. x;-)

ray a

Actually Don, I've heard that in some places you can order your groceries on-line and they will deliver. But, think about that... some minimum wage kid going around the store and selecting your items, bagging them then delivering.

SMace

Thanks for going back and checking hbailey. I guess you can never be too careful.

TN HR

OK, time to put the paranoia to rest. Bacteria and microorganisms are a hot topic here (we're a food processing plant) and we have several subject matter experts on staff (microbiologists, etc). The chances of contracting hepatitis from casual contact, including a shopping cart are slim to none.

Given the circumstances presented by hbailey, the hep strain would have to be of a particularly violent variety, you would have to somehow introduce it into your body bypassing the gastrointestinal tract since the pH level there would effectively kill it. Given these circumstances, the chances are so slim that it is generally regarded as impossible.

Practice basic hygiene skills and you should be safe. There are lots of other more harmful bacteria to worry about than hep.

I bet there's more lysteria and salmonella on your kitchen counter than there is hep on the grocery store carts.

Don D

Be especially wary of those carts they rescued from the 'Bowery' or under the bridge. Run a pocket cigarette lighter over the entire surface prior to using. Don't shake the meat market manager's hand either! On second thought, plant a garden.

Whatever

The heck with the carts, have you looked at how dirty the money is (pun intended).

TN HR

>The heck with the carts, have you looked at how
>dirty the money is (pun intended).

That's why I make it a practice to print my own

Hunter1

THANK YOU, TN! Good grief, get a grip, people! I understand some of this is in jest, but this paranoia about germs is making me crazy. You're all out to get me! What are you, a bunch of (Forum)maniacs?