The flu is headed to my door

**fixer** · 11-02-2009, 08:39 PM

Mrs fixer informed me to expect a package tomorrow. She had it shipped to our home since she will be out of the office all week. She also informed me the women who made and packaged the items has H1N1. She phoned my wife today and told her she has never been this sick in all of her life. She shipped the package today and it will be here tomorrow. I am convinced it is a diabolical plan by my wife to infect me while she is away. She won't be back until late Thursday. Wish me luck and any suggestions you have will be appreciated.

**NikoSan999** · 11-02-2009, 09:53 PM

Depending on how important the contents are I don't think I would open it. Quote " never been this sick in all of her life" would be words enough for me.

**mauimagic** · 11-02-2009, 09:55 PM

Gloves - handle the package with gloves only - put it in an empty plastic box that has a cover, put box in garage and leave it there until Mrs. Fixer gets home.

**Debbie-cat** · 11-02-2009, 10:08 PM

Yes, I agree...gloves....AND wash your hands after taking it to the garage and throw the gloves out. Good luck!

**monkeywrangler71** · 11-02-2009, 10:11 PM

Influenza can survive on surfaces up to 8 hours. It should be dead by the time you get it. I wouldn't go licking it or anything, but I think a simple handwashing after putting it away should suffice.

**Contrary Housewife** · 11-03-2009, 12:06 AM

Most viruses, including the influenza one are destroyed by heat and exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation). This is why they typically do not spread during summer. H1N1 is tougher but can still be destroyed this way.

I would not put the package any place cool and damp, those are ideal conditions for it. The virus is not really "alive" it is just a piece of genetic code and it needs a host to reproduce. It can stay intact indefinitely and infect you any time in the future. Just a year or two ago they got the 1918 flu virus out of a grave in Alaska and it was still viable.

Someplace warm and dry is a good place for it, most likely conditions for the virus to break down. Anything you can put in the dishwasher can be cleaned that way. Lysol claims their products will kill viruses.

**Libby** · 11-03-2009, 12:18 AM

Originally Posted by monkeywrangler71

Influenza can survive on surfaces up to 8 hours. It should be dead by the time you get it. I wouldn't go licking it or anything, but I think a simple handwashing after putting it away should suffice.

HAHAHAHA sorry to laugh at such a serious subject these days but c'mon MW - licking the package? ROFL

fixer - just spray the box all over with Lysol on the front porch/stoop or whatever - and leave it outside in a safe place or just inside the door for the Mrs to deal with later. And remember - do not touch your nose, eyes, mouth area until after you've sprayed the pkg down and washed your hands thoroughly. Plus go back and spray/wipe down the door knob and anything else you've touched after you've signed for the package if need be - who knows where the delivery guy's pen's been!