The coming snot plagues of winter

[tetragon]

When at work, I can hear it down the hall. On the subway, it's two seats back. What is it? The dreaded winter snot plagues. Most of the people who work near my desk keep coming to work with these snot-producing entities, and save their sick days for use with their children. I wish they would stay home and not further whichever snot plague they were given by their kids in daycare and kindergarten. I actually like being able to breathe at night.

[NightMonkey]

Here are some tips on avoiding that which the snot brings:

http://coldflu.about.com/od/prevention/ ... travel.htm

http://coldflu.about.com/od/prevention/ ... yparty.htm

[M.D.Hosehead]

In flu season:
Don't allow your hands near your face, unless they've just been washed.
Try to stay 8 feet away from a person who may be contagious.
If someone sneezes, run the other way.

[chunkyfrog]

Had my flu shot.
Que sera, sera.

[tetragon]

In flu season:
Don't allow your hands near your face, unless they've just been washed.
Try to stay 8 feet away from a person who may be contagious.
If someone sneezes, run the other way.

So, what would you propose as an appropriate response to someone coughing on a crowded, rush hour subway? I can't run away, and they frown on using the "passenger assistance alarm" as a means of escape.

I know, the answer is to hope the flu shot that I won't have for another week-and-a-bit helps.

[ThirdOutOfFive]

I know it doesn't look nice, but you could wear a surgical mask. Many Japanese wear them, and it would keep flying molecules from being inhaled. I am lucky that I don't have to go to crowded places this time of year. Sorry that you have to do so.

[M.D.Hosehead]

This could be wrong, but I have been told that in Japan, it's the coughers and sneezers who wear masks so that they don't infect others. I hope that's true, because I like the idea.

[tetragon]

I just asked someone I know who is from Japan. There, people with colds do wear masks to be respectful of other people. Although you cannot use the mask as a definite sign that someone is sick. Non-sick people will also wear them in an attempt to avoid getting sick.

[chunkyfrog]

I think I heard something about in China, it is criminal to go out with flu and no mask.

[Bobby269]

Flu shot might help.