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It came time to check out at the doctor’s office. I’d watched the woman in front of me in line cough continuously into her sleeve. She signed her paperwork, left the pen, and walked out. I stared at the community pen on the desk. When it came time to for me to sign my paperwork, I happily used my pen that I have as part of my EDC. That lady could keep her germs to herself.
As America is infected more and more with the flu, we need to take as many precautions as we can to keep ourselves well. Here are a few ways your everyday carry can help keep you flu free.
Pen
I used to never carry a pen. I’d always have to borrow one when I was working in the field or use the community pen at the checkout. Then I finally wised up and started carrying one all the time. While it is useful for many applications, during this flu season it’s even more important.
If you can cut down on the number of things your hands touch during the day, the less likely you are to pick up germs. Having a pen to sign the bill at a restaurant or to sign in at the doctor’s office keeps you from having to use a germ infested community pen. Trust me, you’ll better off.
Also you can use the pen for other things like pressing elevator buttons, dialing a desktop phone and pushing the number pad at the gas pump. I use the Zebra F-301. This is a stainless steel pen that won’t bend or snap in your pocket.
Hand Sanitizer
If you carry a backpack, make sure you have plenty of hand sanitizer in it. Despite your best efforts you will come into contact with someone carrying germs you don’t want. When that happens reach for your trusty sanitizer.
These Purell Portable Bottles have a rubber clip around the bottle that you can attach to your car, backpack or any MOLLE webbing you have. If you don’t want anyone to see your sanitizer, you can stash a bottle in a MOLLE flashlight holster / mag pouch and attach to your backpack.
Medical Mask
I’m not a big fan of wearing medical masks in public, but they do have their uses. If you take public transportation, you may want to strongly consider using one of these masks. Any time you are in a tight space with a lot of people, you run a high risk of being exposed to an airborne illness. I’ve seen them in use in public before. In countries like Japan, they are commonly used. Throw a few in your bag just in case.
I hope you stay flu free. Plus it’s always a good idea to have a few medical supplies in your EDC anyway. Recently I demonstrated how you can make a great headrest first aid kit for your car out of a fanny pack. It’s easy and can be done in 20 minutes. For more ways to keep your family safe, consider The Secure Dad Newsletter.
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