Thursday, October 29, 2009

Today was our health fair for city employees. We did seasonal flu shots, fasting blood tests, bone density tests and Body Mass Index. All of the employees also got information on the current situation with the flu and how to prevent getting sick.
Prevention measures here in the children's department have been ongoing for about a month. We have been asking parents to sanitize their children's hands before they play with our puzzles and toys. We supply hand sanitizer wipes or gel. We also have a foam sanitizer dispenser next to the front door.

It is interesting to watch people come into the department. So often the children run in ahead of Mom or Dad and they immediately start playing with the puzzles and toys. Meanwhile, Mom or Dad goes to the book drop and drops off all their books. By the time Mom or Dad comes into the children's area, sets their bags and coat down, and maybe themselves and finally read the large sign that is hanging from the ceiling, it has been 4-5 minutes since the children began playing. Certainly long enough for the kids to have spread any germs across toys, puzzles, chairs, and tables. Most parents jump up and say, "Let's sanitize your hands!" I guess they don't think about the fact that at this point it really is just a waste of time. The kids have already spread the germs and will pick them up again when they resume playing.

Remember that prevention is the best medicine. I guess my best advice is to sanitize your hands as you leave the library. Consider every surface you touch as contaminated, including library books, which are indeed some of the dirtiest objects on the planet! We have even discussed quarantine for returned books, if the swine flu pandemic becomes critical. We are told that the virus can live up to 3 days on a surface and it would be impossible to clean the hundreds of books that are returned each day.

As I sit and type this, there are two children and a mom here. All three of them are coughing and sniffling. We try our best to clean the table and chairs, puzzles and games often. I usually can spray them with Clorox Anywhere Hard Surface-Daily Sanitizing Spray at least once per shift, but sometimes there isn't a chance to do it. So try and stay home if you are sick and wash or sanitize your hands often.
Stay well and healthy this flu season.
Michele, Children's Librarian




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