[blam]

If you view a fingerprint under a SEM (scanning electron microscope), your ideas about cleanliness will be changed forever.

[txhurl]

I pinged you (and Judith Anne) to this question, but in case you don't get to your pings today...

[Judith Anne]

Yes, I'm sure they would, but ss far as I know, most of the microbes and viruses are harmless comensals of mankind.

Most of the non-harmless ones can be washed off with soap and hot water, and/or hand sanitizer. Occasionally, I have heard, some bad ones can colonize on hands, under fingernails, in the creases of the fingers, in and around jewelry, such as MRSA.

A nurse should wash her hands as she comes into your room, and as she leaves it. So, imho, should the doctor. Hand sanitizer is considered an acceptable substitute, but it should be enough to wet the hands on all surfaces.

[txhurl]

Hey, I'm talkin' to you:

China reported nine new SARS deaths Monday and 203 new cases, the health ministry said.

The new virus first emerged in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong five months ago and has since spread around the world killing nearly 330 people and infecting over 5,000 (snip)

So, as of presstime yesterday there were ~5000 global cases and as of presstime today another 203, or ~5% of the cumulative global total were reported by the Chinee??