Let's Talk About Germs......

Let's talk about germs...........
Since Rob Haines was hospitalized, I've had a lot of questions about how this could happen and what can be done to prevent this from happening.  So I thought I would give a little "germ education".  If you already know these things, I, in no way am trying to tell you something you already know, but I do hope that you might bring some awareness to those that may not know.
Rob is immunosuppressed meaning he basically has no immune system.  So when you get what you think is a "little cold", your body can fight it off, but Rob's does not have enough "fighters" in his system to combat a "little cold".  In turn, that little cold can turn into pneumonia, bacterial infections, hospitalization(like last week).
Here is what we must do to protect Rob,
1.  Please do not be offended if we do not shake hands in church.  We're not saying that  you are unsanitary, you just may have shaken someone else's hand that coughed and used that hand to cover their mouth, thus passing on the "virus" or "bug". 
2.  If we plan to visit or you visit our home, we may ask if you or anyone in your home have had a "bug" recently (like in the past 3 - 4 weeks).  Remember that gestations for different "bugs" will vary and this time frame is fairly safe for a immune suppressed person.
3.  If you do visit our home, we may ask that you sanitize your hands when you come in.  This is just a healthy precaution.
4.  We may decline invitations to parties or events, especially during flu/cold season, because germs LOVE close quarters where they can be passed from person to person. 
Here are some things you can do:
1.  If you are sick, do not go to church, get together's, public places (unless absolutely necessary). 
2.  If you cough, cough into your elbow, not your hands.  When you blow your nose, sanitize immediately after.
You may think, "Oh, it's just a "little bug" ", but remember, that you may be able to fight that bug, BUT there are some people out there that the "little bug" could actually be life threatening.
Please know I am not preaching, I have just been asked MANY times about this topic, so I thought I would post.
Healthy New Year to you all!!!