FIGHT BACK : HAND-WASHING SECURITY SYSTEM GOES A LITTLE FAR.

Byline: David Horowitz 

Dirty hands have become a national health threat high up in the list of the culprits that spread some of the most horrendous airborne, viral and microbial diseases. To meet this menace head on, restaurants, hospitals and hotels all over the United States are now installing experimental infrared systems that can detect workers who leave the bathroom without washing their hands properly.

The way this hand-wash electronic detection system works is by giving employees a badge to wear that triggers an infrared sensor whenever they enter the restroom. A second sensor at the soap dispenser is activated if the person remains at the sink for 15 seconds and doesn't soap up. An electronic record notes the process in a computer. When a worker enters the restroom and skips the soap, this causes the electronic badge the worker wears to blink.

It sounds like something out of George Orwell's book ``1984'' where ``Big Brother'' is watching everyone in a fictional society ruling the world.

If this absurd idea works, I'll be surprised. What next? A bathroom camera setup monitored by a local TV news operation? It could broadcast live when hand washers go to the restroom and are disciplined for not washing their hands! Goodness, I hope this doesn't give any news operation an idea for a ratings-period series titled ``Dirty Hands Can Kill.''

Get that flu shot

What, me? I don't need a flu shot! It can't happen to me. But ignorance, fear and complacency doesn't work. Flu kills about 20,000 Americans almost every year, mostly people in their golden years.

Most flu deaths can be avoided. Flu vaccine protects those who want to avoid a devastating illness, particularly in the 65-plus age group. That includes nursing-home residents, people with chronic heart or lung disease, patients with a suppressed immune system, pregnant women, children on long-term aspirin therapy and people who care for or have contact with others who are high flu risks.

If you can't take the shot or are allergic to the vaccine, there are oral vaccines. By the way, research shows the vaccine cannot cause the flu. This is a widespread misconception not supported by medical evidence.

Baggage no-nos

There are strict rules about carrying hazardous materials aboard airplanes. You can carry personal-care items that contain hazardous materials, such as flammable perfume, hair spray and other alcohol-based aerosols. But each container must not have more than 16 ounces, and all contents must total under 75 ounces.

You can carry books of matches and lighters aboard, but lighters with flammable liquid reservoirs, lighter fluid and strike-anywhere matches are forbidden. You can also bring aboard an unloaded firearm that is declared to the security agent and checked in your luggage.

Handguns must be in a locked container and small-arms ammo must all be in a checked bag. Dry ice under 4 pounds is allowed on board a plane for packing perishables. But the package must be vented.

Electric wheel chairs are allowed, according to airline rules, but batteries may need to be dismantled. If you are unsure of the safety of a hazardous item, call the airline and ask if it's OK to take on the plane.