Surgically Sterile Environment- Live Free From Swine Flu

Not only does the world have to deal with terrorists, global warming and an economic recession, but apparently there is something far, far worse looming in your very own house. Germs.

Thankfully however Dettol, the saviours that they are, have created a liquid to combat 99.9% of the nasty little bugs. Worried sick mothers can now sleep a little easier knowing that any Swine flu bacteria has been swiftly annihilated after the immediate Dettol shower the three children and husband were subjected to the minute they came through the door.

This fear has not stemmed from a detergent advertisement but instead the NHS P.R campaign to inform the nation of the swine flu and how to combat it. Now every time I walk into an elevator I have to push the button with my elbow, which has at least two layers of material on it or feel an overwhelming need to sanitise my hands within seconds of touching a hand railing in the fear that someone dirty has been there before me. No I do not have ODC (obsessive compulsive disorder) I have merely been mentally inflicted with these messages.

P.R does have the power to influence and inform, and although their intention was good it has merely added to over zealous parents list of things to do. And the slightly neurotic.

For example there has been a great boom in ‘Kinderkords’ which are effectively little human leashes allowing your child to get a whole three feet away. Why would someone buy this product? It's another way to control your immediate environment. Keeping them away from germs, nasty men, and naughty words. Spray your child regularly with anti-bacterial solution and keep him on a leash and he will forever be safe from harm. The campaign about the dirt on your child’s high chair has more bad bacteria than a toilet seat had good intentions but the consequences were far greater and are now actually threatening a child’s right to play.

I think the time has come to run a new style of campaign. For example one that does not generate fear to such a limitless extent. Neurosis and anti-bacterial substances have replaced the simple, non-threatening campaign style. Do not get me wrong, I understand the whole germ mania however like most things in this day and age ‘everything in moderation’. Even germs.