Alm Family Practice

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Social Distancing - Is it rude? Or is it necessary?

While many of us love being social butterflies, now may not be the best time for our cherished friendly hugs, air kisses, or even handshakes. Those who never liked these PDAs in the first place are secretly thrilled!

Are you thinking about skipping social events, traveling, or even shaking someone’s hand because of the recent COVID-19 epidemic that is spreading around the world? Plan and Prevent...but please don’t panic.

If you are strongly considering social distancing, know that you aren’t panicking or being rude. Not only could social distancing reduce your personal risk, it could also reduce the intensity of the COVID-19 risk throughout the community. Experts agree that avoiding crowds and handshakes could contain many illnesses, and not just coronavirus.

How do most respiratory viruses spread? Through droplets. When you cough or sneeze, you release those unseen droplets. Where do they go? To another person nearby, or onto your own body...often on your hands. And the migration of the virus begins.

Picture this...that unseen virus is living on your hand (or your friend’s) and you go in for the handshake...then you scratch that itch on your nose or wipe that hair out of your eye...maybe you realize you have a piece of lettuce in your teeth and you quickly try to remove it with your fingernail...guess what? Yep, you now have that virus!

So please, wash your hands...often...and maybe try the Elbow Bump instead of a handshake next time.