Hey Mister, Throw Me Some Sanitizer!

February is usually the peak of flu season in Mobile. It's also when Mardi Gras is in full swing.

So local health officials are trying a new way to keep us safe from flu germs at Mardi Gras parades. Staff members will be handing out small bottles of hand sanitizers to the public prior to the start of some parades.

The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) wants to remind parade-goers to remember our area is not only at the height of flu season, but it is also facing an outbreak of Hepatitis A.

Please follow these steps while in the midst of large crowds:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it;

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub;

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way;

• Disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs, such as parade barricades.

And yes, they said parade barricades. That shouldn't be a foreign concept, because many of us use wipes at the store to disinfect grocery cart handles. Same thing!

(Photo: Mobile County Health Department)