A Sanitary, Swine Flu-free Writing Center

With both bosses down for the count, I feel the flu-ridden walls closing in. As tutors, we are already the first ones to catch the flu or the common cold; we must interact with several students every day in extremely close quarters. Wonderful. Better yet, some of our clients want us to touch their filthy laptops, which have more germs on them than the common toilet seat. This year, 90% of flu cases are expected to be of the swine variety. Once someone is sick with the virus, they can be incapacitated from 7 to 10 days. So what's a busy tutor to do? First of all, if you think you are sick, wear a surgical mask, or better yet, stay home. The Japanese are on to something there. For the rest of us, it is a good idea to obsessively use hand sanitizer, and refrain from touching your face AT ALL TIMES. Also, always remember to cough and sneeze into your elbow. Seriously. Do it. Otherwise, I'll be quite cross with you. Merry flu season tidings, Ashley T.