I admit it, I am officially paranoid - I have bought into all of this hype concerning the seasonal flu and H1N1 virus. Well why shouldn't I be? Flu shots are notoriously difficult to come by and as an asthma sufferer I am at a higher risk for complications should either virus choose me as it's host. Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean something isn't out to get me. Figuring diplomacy is unlikely to work against this enemy combatant, deterance seems the only viable strategy hence my mantra - the only good offense is a strong defense.

Follow up:

Ever the planner, I have steeled myself against the onslaught of this veritable germ warfare with a phalanx of antibacterial products that I keep at the ready and use at the slightest provocation. I prefer alcohol based products to kill the offending marauders outright, on contact, without increasing the risk of helping the enemy mutate into an even stronger foe. Everyday items outside the home are swiped, sprayed and wiped much to the amusement of and ridicule by my two teenagers. Not just door handles, water fountains and restrooms anymore, now grocery cart handles, credit cards, touch screen terminals, menus, even waiting room magazines, at the forefront in transferring infection, are squarely within my sites.

Sitting on an airplane as I write this brings into even sharper focus the difficulty of avoiding such a pervasive threat. I am at once aware of and fearful of each and every sniffle, cough and sneeze occurring around me - the number of occurances during a single flight, truly mind-boggling. Much of this sort of activity is usually completely off one's personal radar screen comprising the general white noise of everyday life but under the current state of high alert I am painfully aware that the percussive force of each individual cough or sneeze lets loose a scatter-shot pattern of inhalable particles throughout the aircraft cabin, settling upon oblivious fellow passengers,long before the aircraft's huge HEPA filters even have a chance to process the mist.

This necessitates a personal call to action as I baton down the hatches and draw up the neckerchief I am wearing to protect my nose and mouth in an attempt to deflect the airborne invaders. Looking somewhat akin to Billy the Kid robbing a bank, I must be mindful of another passenger mistaking me for a potential hijacker in waiting lest I be spirited off in handcuffs upon arrival at my destination.

Do I feel somewhat obsessive compulsive as I wipe down the arm rests, seat belt and tray table with my antibacterial wipe? Absolutely! Do I feel somewhat uncomfortable or embarrassed by my cowboy face mask? Sure I do! Do I secretly wish my detractors will come down with some mild form of a cold this season? You betcha! I am looking forward to the opportunity to look down my nose at all those who mocked my actions, as I remain the only one healthy enough to drive to the Doctors office while smugly saying " I told you so."

Are you with me?