How do you keep from catching everything?

[Purple_Scrubs]

I'm a school nurse, but I posted here because I want everyone's input on this. How do you keep from catching every virus, cold, flu and infection that your patients have?

I remember some hospital nurses telling me about putting something in your nose, but I don't remember the name or where to get it. Any idea for something OTC or easily obtainable that I can try? I am already doing the basic things: eat healthier, drink water, enough sleep, wash wash wash those hands. Any other ideas?

[flightnurse2b, LPN]

i use good handwashing and follow proper precautions.

i've never really gotten sick. it must have been all that dirt i ate as a kid

[leslie :-D]

keep stress levels at bay.

i sing an awful lot.

keeps me in my 'happy' place.

leslie

[Jolie, BSN]

Stay home :)

[badphish]

first you join the Army, then live in close proximity to 50 other guys with questionable hygiene

2. work in a Peds clinic for a couple of years

3. go to strange lands and eat the food from street vendors.

4. get all your shots

5. become a paramedic in a large metropolitan area and let patients cough, spit, bleed and vomit on you in the small airtight box they call an ambulance.

6. shake well

now your immune

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

LOL, thanks everyone. I guess this is just a rite of passage into nursing, right? I have been really lucky so far but I have a feeling my time is coming!

[diane227, LPN, RN]

After 30 years I am immune to everything by now. I am very obssed with handwashing however. All the time.

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

I don't get sick anymore than before I was a nurse--I usually am sick about once a year with a cold or something. I think you build up immunity to stuff really fast!