Tue, May 12, 2009 - 8:16:12

The Moral of this Story? Wash Your Hands.

Whether you call it the Swine Flu or the H1N1 virus, it’s no secret that this rapidly spreading outbreak has caused a lot of concern in recent weeks. Fears of another full-blown flu pandemic not seen since the early 20th Century have erupted on a global level and despite strengthening evidence that H1N1 might not be as serious as previously thought, it’s still a major health issue for all nations.  The scale and spread of the virus can feel overwhelming, but the ways in which this nasty illness spreads and consequently, the steps we can take to prevent it have a lot to do with the power of small.

It all starts with listening to a few tips our mothers have all given us: wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and stay in bed if you’re feeling sick.  Last week, President Barack Obama asked Americans to do the very same thing in a national telecast.  It might seem like an overly simple solution, but in fact, if we all did our parts and took his advice we really could make a huge difference, not just in our own lives but in the lives of others. 

Which inspired an intriguing essay by New York Times writer and resident ethicist, Randy Cohen.  In a recent entry on his New York Times blog, “The Moral of the Story,” Cohen asked, “Is such modest, homespun advice merely good manners, or is it a moral injunction?”  In this case, Cohen argues, hand washing is more than just a little politesse; it’s actually an ethical imperative.  Why?  Because in this case, washing (or not washing) your hands has a real and potentially serious impact on the others around us. 

You might think that you’re insignificant.  You’re just one person.  But, your everyday actions can not only shape the course of your life, for better or for worse, they can change the lives of others forever.  In the case of H1N1, just one sick person can infect hundreds of others just by flying in the same airplane.  Those fellow passengers then go their separate ways, to neighboring cities and states, and carry the germs with them, rapidly and exponentially expanding the viruses reach.  Within just a few hours, “just one person” can hypothetically turn into thousands.

So, consider Cohen’s argument and apply it to other areas of your life. If you’re sick, wash your hands.  If you’ve been drinking, take a cab.  If you’re angry with a sales person, give yourself a minute.  After all, you’re just one person, but the actions you take now can have lifelong effects.

Posted by Linda and Robin