Time for us to be more like ‘Monk’

The TV show “Monk” was ahead of its time.

For those who have not seen what I call a classic, “Monk” was a show about a former homicide detective who is a consultant for the San Francisco Police Department. Adrian Monk, played by Tony Shalhoub, has an obsessive-compulsive disorder along with multiple fears that really hit the fan when his wife Trudy was killed. After that tragedy, all of his disorders and fears kept him from performing his role as a detective without needing help.

One of the things Monk cannot do is shake hands without asking his assistant for a wipe. Most definitely, he kept his hands clean. What made the show funny was watching Monk go out of his way from touching and avoiding anything that may allow him to pick up germs.

If most of us would try our best to keep our hands clean, it would lower the chances of viruses such as the flu or other nasty stomach bugs from going around. At this time of year, especially with Georgia’s latest flu ratings, we should all try to avoid other germs as much as possible.

It does not take an expert to know that as a state, Georgia is not doing too well when it comes to the rise of flu. In fact, we are leading the way when it comes to flu activity. On a scale of 1 to 13, we were at a 13 a few weeks ago. The good news is it can only decrease. When that will happen depends on each of us.

Yes, people can get the flu vaccine. No, that does not necessarily mean you will not get the flu. But the vaccine should help decrease the symptoms.

A few years ago, my wife and I both received the vaccine and at about the same time – three months later – tested positive for the flu. We both went to the doctor at the same time – it was a two-for-one deal. The doctor said our symptoms would have been worse if we had not gotten the flu vaccine. 

Do I know if this is true? I can only go by what the experts say. What I can say is that I missed one day of work and was back almost  to 100 percent a few days later. For those who do not want to take the vaccine, hey, that’s up to you.

Sometimes we are going to get sick and there is nothing we can do about it. But from observation, I cannot count the number of times I have been in a public restroom and watched men walk out without washing their hands. They grab the door knobs and turn or pull, leaving their germs all over it.

According to Google, when it comes to washing hands, the proper way to do so is to use clean running water (hot or cold),  soap to cover the entire hand and rub for 20 seconds if not more. Some experts encourage us to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Then rinse, dry your hands on a clean towel or use an air drier. Then, grab a paper towel to turn off the water. After all, you do not know who used that sink before you.

It may be an adventure to wash hands in a public restroom where there are usually signs on the doors, or even mirrors, urging employees to clean them before returning to work. What is funny to me is when the conditions for doing so are laughable at best.

For example, you put your hands under the faucet and only receive  a short burst of water, barely enough to get your hands wet. You are able to get soap on your hands but not enough water to do properly clean. 

Then there are occasions when there is plenty of water but no soap. How are hands, especially those belonging to the employees, supposed to be clean if there is no soap?

And then when you leave the restroom, if you take your clean hand and open the door, you more than likely have new germs on your hand. I try to remember to keep that paper towel I used to dry my hands and use it to open the door to leave. 

Sure I may look like Monk leaving the restroom, but at least I have a better chance of not bringing home a virus by simply taking care of my hands.