Changing Behavior to Prevent H1N1

From Praying to Playing, Americans Alter Routines to Try and Stay Healthy

(CBS)  The H1N1 virus has disrupted the sanctity of service. At Salt Lake City Catholic churches, there's no shared cup at communion, no holy water by the front door because dipping fingers spreads germs.

"We're suggesting that people not shake hands or make physical contact," said Scott Dodge, a deacon.

In Charlotte, where hundreds have contracted H1N1, they're fighting back at football games with Purell - every fan gets a squirt.

In Glen Cove, N.Y., one school went so far as to put a ban on all touching, though it's tough to stop every chest bump.

Many people are trying to think outside of the box, reports CBS News correspondent Jeff Glor.

A recent study found hand washing does cut down on sick days. Schools that practice bad hygiene lose students for three days a year. Good hygiene - 2.4. So it may help fight some germs.

But epidemiologist Peter Palese said that for fighting the flu, it might not make that much difference.

"I think washing hands is important, but maybe not for the influenza virus transmission. Influenza virus gets transmitted mostly through the air," Palese said.

Longtime anti-handshake advocates are taking no chances.

Real estate magnate Donald Trump says he hasn't gotten a cold or the flu in 15 years.

"I've been on this bandwagon for many years," Trump said. "People shouldn't be doing it."

The king of the handshake deal doesn't refuse to shake hands, but he prefers not to.

"I have people come into my office and they shake my hand, and then I say, 'How are you feeling?' and they say, 'Oh, I'm so sick, I have the worst cold,' or 'I have the worst flu,' and I say, "What did you shake my hand for?'" Trump said.

While this wave of worry likely won't end a tradition that began in the second century B.C., it's doing wonders for the hand sanitizing business - sales are up 41 percent in the last six months. It may not be the best defense against H1N1, but they're still cleaning up.

[flires]

. The failure of the Obama administration and the CDC to properly respond to this national heath care emergency is incredible. In contrast, the response to Katrina by the Bush administration and FEMA seems proper. This was a failure on two fronts: initially, to secure the border when the first cases were identified in Mexico (Obama had to discuss the issue for a few months instead of reacting - just like he is doing now with Afghanistan) and second to organize a proper medical response given that the Obama administration had months to prepare for the flu season which was forecasted as "critical". Where is the outrage now that the Obama administration failed to organize a proper response in providing a vaccine supply for all the population? The administration knew this was going to become more serious months ago and they failed to waive the existing regulations and restrictions facing the drug manufacturers. This only happened last week while Obama was playing golf. This is how the Obama health care program will function: it ill be based on restrictions and rationing where decisions about your personal well being will be done by commitee and socialized. Obama's Katrina is even more serious because they had months to get ready and they did nothing to preempt this problem. This should be investigated by the DOJ as treason for failure to protect the United States and the interest of its citizens. Additionally, this raises serious questions about Obama's ability to deal with any critical or emergency situation. Just like the pre-election debates, his response to a lot of scenarious was to consult with the UN, the Europeans and other groups. Obama is so stuck on "conscensus" that he is not able to make independent decisions in a crisis. This is exactly what he his opposition was accusing him of.

[Cuddyer]

Our creative department at the Minneapolis ad agency Martin Williams created this video as an internal H1N1 PSA for our employees. We decided that it has an important message done well so we have put it out there for everyone to use free of charge to help get the word out about the responsible steps toward avoiding spreading the H1N1 virus. It isn?t the standard slap-stick funny approach but a nicely designed, simple and respectful informational piece with a few smiles.

http://www.firetheflu.com/

It?s already getting nice exposure throughout the advertising and corporate world and made the Top 5 Creativity list this week. You Tube hits are up...and that?s all great. But it wouldn?t compare to the good it could do if CBS News gave it some play and posted it on your website. We hope you will and that your viewers will distribute it to their companies and friends.

Thank you.

Here?s to a flu-free season...

[guest173]

hand sanitizer is a better use of alcohol than drinking it. a tip to save money, buy a large bulk bottle of sanitizer for like 5$ at walmart and also get a little pocket size bottle. refill the small bottle to stick in your pocket or bag and use it whenever you need it.

[mary_moran]

My child came home from school saying that they learned to cough and sneeze into their elbow with Germy Wormie, and I was totally taken aback. I always covered with my hands. But I went to the website and now I get it, hands touch, elbows don't!! Kids can touch 300 surfaces in 1/2 hour and they hate to wash their hands. This is a simple thing that can make a huge difference. There is also an entertaining DVD that teaches them in a fun way the elbow cough, as well as other important hygiene habits.

[credibility2]

The Donald is correct. It's called commonsense and taking responsibility for one's own health instead of expecting the nanny government to tell you what you need to do.