Co-Dependent’s Tips For Tackling Party Germs

I love sharing a laugh and a great party dip as much as the next Super Bowl fan, but I don’t love getting sick. And seriously, who does? Here are my top five tips to help your guests share a great night without over-sharing party germs.

The truth is, we are often contagious BEFORE we have any symptoms. According to the CDC, healthy adults can become contagious 24 hours before their symptoms develop. Once they’re sick, they’ll be contagious for about five to seven days. Young kids, who are likely to sneeze on anyone within 100 yards of them, are contagious longer than that. Yikes.

Here’s your best defense at keeping you and your guests healthy.

1. Wash Your Hands

Hand washing is the most effective way to stop spreading germs. I used to work on a patient floor at a hospital, and I actually had to take a class on hand washing. You want to suds your hands for at least 30 seconds. Rinse your hands and then use a towel to turn off the faucet. Soap is better than hand-sanitizer, and you don’t have to use an anti-bacterial soap. Ditch community bar soaps during your party.

2. Don’t Touch Your Eyes

Yes, Bud-wiser has promised another tear-jerking Clydsdale commercial, but don’t you dare wipe those tears. Touching our face is one of the main ways party germs and viruses get into our systems.

3. Disposable Products Dispose Of Party Germs

If your guests can pitch it, you should buy it. And make sure to have extra paper plates and cups on hand. These are my top picks for this year’s party:

Red solo cups are your party’s MVP. Ah nachos. We love you the most, but plan on being an all-star host by serving up these tasty chips in disposable cups. Several well-placed Sharpies will help guests keep their cups straight.
In the bathrooms, invest in some paper, disposable hand-towels. Sharing a guest towel in flu-season can put you on the sidelines for a week.
Cocktail toothpicks are a must for meatballs, cocktail weenies, and cheese cubes. Guests can also use them to grab fruit and bite-sized brownies.
Cupcake liners are another way to serve buffet style dishes in individual portions.
Put disposal silverware in more red disposable cups, in high traffic areas, handles facing up.

4. Think Like A Germaphobe

During cold and flu season, it’s a great idea to wipe down solid surfaces like phones, door knobs, remotes, and counters with disinfectant wipes. Don’t forget to wipe your soap dispensers, faucets, and trash cans. I will be using these wipes to sanitize my house before AND after guests arrive. Maybe even at half-time if you observe some suspicious sneezing. Also, put boxes of kleenex everywhere!

5. Be A Responsible Guest

Are you the one attending a party? Only go if you’ve been fever free for 24 hours. Taking medicine isn’t enough to make you not contagious. No one wants to miss the party, but being patient zero is worse. Ask friends to Skype or face-time you if you feel up to virtually joining the party.

Do you struggle with drinking more than you’d like? Help is available near you. Visit Recovery Guidance to find it.

 

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