With all the flu posts...

Friday when I was at the PRP.For reasons than unknown to me, I found myself getting all tweaky around the other people,who exhibited coughy/sneezy sick symptoms,While I was waiting to get the ride to a peer run thing I help out with,I asked a lady there waiting I know well,to pace downwind from me,she was coughing and sneezing all over the place.I did it in a tactful and amusing way,and she wise cracked me back and walked downwind from me.I was washing hands all the time,that day I even put my germ ex gel in my pocket to use.
During the ride home I sat in the back furtherest from everyone and had my window open my face in the air from outside.It was a warm beautiful day.

So here is my "public service announcement"
I am wondering anyone else here go to community psych clinics,PRP's or use residential housing or shelters? Or knows someone who does?

You know being in close quarters with others,enables sickness to spread easier from person-to-person.

And some programs do inadvertently neglect the physical health and focus on psych issues. In some places the staff are too overloaded with cases and paperwork to notice when people are sick(especially difficult,low functioning or homeless people, or people that don't trust or relate to their case manager and stay on the periphery kind of thing).Some staff are just unaware,stupid or incompetent. So be aware and look out for yourselves and each other.


One thing I remember about some programs especially the residential ones is they will insist you go to the day program and keep therapy appointments even if you are deathly sick.The residential program I was at years back had me go to program with a 102 degree fever.I had mycoplasma.And I have seen residential people come in dragging ass sick as dogs because of some state policy mandated they be out of the apartment until 3 pm or some such rule based stupidity.

So if you get sick go tell staff you are sick,tell them to get off their ass in any way that works and insist on getting to a doctor ASAP. Also to be sure and insist on staying home for awhile.If a roommate or other person in housing with you or at a program with you gets really sick take precautions until you know what's up with them. It could be allergies or a common cold too ya know.Anyways y'all trust your intuitions, listen to your body,take some selenium supplements,vitamin D and Vitamin C if you can get it.
and follow the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy,that says in bright friendly colors on the cover...DON'T PANIC!

Do wash yer paws often .Try to move away from people with flu like symptoms or tactfully ask sick people to move away from you. Carry some germ ex gel with you and if you think it is necessary carry disinfecting wipes and wipe off surfaces like phones and computer keyboards or table tops anywhere many people touch shared things.( it's good to share what disinfecting stuff you have with others if you can.)

If Someone shows up really sick ,carry a clean bandanna with you,( to cover your face when in tight enclosed quarters with the sick person like crammed like sardines in a can on a van ride .If you are next to sick people all day and you have no clue what they have,cover up with a bandanna until you can get something better,like a mask to have on hand.

If anything,put plain white petroleum based Chap-stick on the skin outside around your nostrils,but not in or on the nostrils!( put it where the incoming air goes, like the upper lip area)The Chap-stick can trap some incoming dust pollen and whatnot. Wipe it off occasionally(wipe away from nose, mouth and eyes) and replace it..And DON'T share your Chap-stick or our mask/bandanna with anyone else!! Keep yer hands off your face orifices(nose, eyes, and mouth).

And DO take care out there.