Forum
What's the Deal with People Who Cough On You, Sneeze On You or Otherwise Goop You in Public?
If you've witnessed or been the lucky recipient of a "PDI" (Public Display of Infection) here's your place to rant.
We will vote on the violations and the grossest one will win a really cool prize. What, I have no clue... ideas welcomed.
Violation: DJ Tim O'Callaghan of KNUU-AM in Las Vegas reported a PDI of the fungal kind - a fellow diner took his fork and used it to clean the gunk out of his fingernail. After his nail was fungus-free, he used the same fork to eat his salad. Last time I checked nail fungus didn't qualify as protein on the Atkins Diet.
Verdict: Blatant PDI.
Violation: Kimberly reports "When I was dropping off my children at the "Child Watch" area of our gym, a mom dropped off her kid who promptly puked all over the floor before his mom even left the room. She simply turned around and asked if one of the sitters could take care of that for her because she was late to Step Class!! Needless to say, I promptly turned my kids around and we left while holding our breath. I still shudder at that memory."
Verdict: BLATANT PDI. Yes, this is when you'd like to "step" ... all over this mother's head! If she wants to get her heart rate up, maybe she can come over to YOUR house and clean vomit buckets and change the sheets after your child is sick and vomiting from what her kid passed along. Note to Parents: On the health continuum, a sick child takes precedent over a step class. Do us all a favor and KEEP YOUR KID HOME.
Violation: Kim reports "We were at (well let's not say - a breakfast establishment) when my hubby was delivered the most wrong food for him: jalapenos for breakfast on waffles. Not for him. (Did you take my order right?) My husband touched the bread, flipped through it questionably, curious really why his order came out in like one minute all wrong. The waitress said for sure it was his; we were persistant it was not (we know it is 100% wrong) she finally looks to a booth close to us and immediately apologizes---and to our disgust, takes the plate directly to him and he accepts it. He must not have seen it. We are very alert when it comes to our food and the kitchen is very shown or we would have left. But needless to say tips were small. And I am a very gracious tipper -- have been there and done it."
Verdict: Yes, the tip should be "take the prehandled food back to the kitchen." Yuck. And jalapeno waffles? That IS just wrong, and I love jalapenos.
Violation: Danielle reports "I am a day care worker and there are always one or more children in my toddler classroom with green snot running out of their nose and a tuberculosis like cough. The kids are constantly drooling all over everything, sharing toys, food, and drink cups. With 9 active kids including my 14 month old daughter in this room I am constantly trying to wrangle everyone for hand washing and face cleaning. I keep a huge bottle of sanitizer on hand and I clean everything with a bleach/water mixture 3 times a day (including door knobs and walls). I always make sure not to touch my face and eyes. At the end of the day I try to prop a door open to let fresh air in. When i get home I immediately plop my daughter into the tub and scrub her from head to toe. We both still get sick about once a month!"
Verdict: You should be commended for the valuable work you do: My hat goes off to you to maintain your patience and composure in a room full of kids. Too bad you don't live in my area: you sound like you do a great job keeping up with the germs. Best of luck and health to you.]
I am looking for your germ freak nightmares. Email us your experiences with PDIs:
- At Home (your roommate leaves a wet, black sponge in the sink)
- On Airplanes (you saw someone change a diaper on a pull-down tray)
- In Restaurants (the waiter uses a black rag to 'clean' your table)
- With Toddlers
Or answer our current top questions!
- How Do YOU Stay Cold Free at Work?
- How Do YOU Keep Your Kids Healthy?
