[RANGERAIRBORNE]

Of course, these outbreaks happen ALL THE TIME, especially in the Fall and Winter. The key to preventing these infections is careful handwashing- but as any male who has used a public restroom in a restaurant probably has noticed, at least 50% (and probably more) folks DO NOT WASH their hands, even when they are going straight from the toilet to the salad bar...

I was in such a bathroom yesterday, and a father and his two small boys used the facilities and left without even a glance at the sink- this is one reason why I NEVER eat from salad bars, or other food that is available to be handled by the public.

By the way, when I was in Special Forces, I ate a LOT of stuff that would make a buzzard puke- so it's not squeamishness. I just don't want to pick up viruses I can easily avoid. (Puking and crapping every 20 minutes for 3 days is over-rated as a fun experience, believe me!)

[blam]

I read a study of the contaminants found on the keyboards of public computers. The most frequently found contaminant was human feces. (YUK!)

[strela]

The key to preventing these infections is careful handwashing

Put these words in flashing, bold type. Mom always insisted that each of us wash our hands with SOAP and HOT WATER every time we handled food. Mom was smart beyond her years and time.

[Trust but Verify]

You're right, this happens frequently on cruise ships. That's not going to keep me from going. Cruising is one of the most relaxing, pleasurable kinds of vacations the average person has the means to take. Unfortunately, we first have to be abused by the airlines before we can enjoy the trip.

Our second one is in January. We can't wait. If we get a stomach flu, so be it.

[mystery-ak]

One reason I never go to a salad bar or buffet is several years ago while in line at a Country Buffet a *lady* (two people ahead of me) stuck her fingers in every dish to sample, then would lick her fingers.....I called this to the attention of the manager and several trays of food was replaced and he then went to talk to the *lady*.....YUCK!