Flu Season Is Here

Post by **wiseguy** » Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:55 pm

Some people around here are starting to come down with the flu. Reports say that 98% of the authenticated cases are the swine flu. I personally know two people who have had it and both said it was no worse than any other flu they have had. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't avoid it if at all possible.

So what are you all doing to help from spreading the flu virus at you shows? I'm taking a pro-active approach this year. I ordered a virus killing hand lotion called SkinWear that is supposed to kill the flu virus for up to 8 hours after applying. I have made it mandatory for all singers to use this before singing their first song. I also encourage the non-singers to use it. I use Clorox wipes on the microphones periodically throughout the evening.

Bigdog · Post by **Bigdog** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 3:50 am

I'm using a cheap generic approach.

Most bars now use anti bacterial soap in their rest rooms.

I wet a paper towel and put soap on it. Then I lay it on my table and every so often I wipe my hands and the microphone barrels.

I also watch to see who is displaying signs of illness. I had a few that don't want to get others sick and they didn't sing that night.

Others don't care.

I wipe down the book covers at the end of the night too.

Post by **wiseguy** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 5:09 am

A person can have the flu and be contagious a full day before any symptoms appear. I will not allow anyone who appears to be sick touch a mic. The lotion is mandatory, no lotion... no mic.

mwadeson · Post by **mwadeson** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 2:40 pm

i have hand sanitizer available for everyone and i use lysol alot. I wipe the books down at the end of the night. I have noticed alot less people the last couple weeks either they are sick or staying home as to not get sick.

Bigdog · Post by **Bigdog** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 3:10 pm

Hand cleaning is only part of the problem. Most people don't wash their hands after the rest room trip.

Spit on the microphone is a bigger issue.

I am considering selling people their own microphone "foams" to use when they sing.

Post by **wiseguy** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 3:49 pm

Touching contaminated surfaces is the most common way the virus is spread. Anyone who touches the microphone with their mouth deserves to get the flu.

mwadeson · Post by **mwadeson** » Thu Oct 29, 2009 10:21 pm

big dog not a bad idea i have been using mine for one night and throwing them away as to not bring it into a new place but i know it don't help for that night

Bigdog · Post by **Bigdog** » Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:36 am

Don't waste your money like that. Wash the foams with anti bacterial soap. Dry them with paper towels.

mwadeson · Post by **mwadeson** » Sat Oct 31, 2009 11:35 am

they only cost a dollar or two i have a bunch of them that my wife bought on ebay i have been storing them for three years. but yes you could wash them but for the three dollars a night i am not going to take my time to wash them

Bigdog · Post by **Bigdog** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 3:34 am

I use the bars soap and paper towels.