My Dehydrating Quest to Kill Germs

My hands are very dry today. I've been going crazy with the liquid hand sanitizer and it's taking a toll on my skin. The Swine flu frenzy is well under way, and while I ponder whether or not to get the vaccine, the hygiene freak inside me is having a field day. I carry a mini-bottle of sanitizer in my purse, as well as wipes. I use the pump bottle provided at work on my way to and from the ladies room, the kitchen, and the elevator. I think twice before scratching my nose with my hand, opting instead to use my sweater-covered arm.
And of course, the huge debate continues: Is the vaccine safe? Are we idiots if we don't get it. What about companies forcing their employees to get vaccinated?

Currently, from what I understand, there is a limited supply of the H1N1 Vaccine available, and right now only a select group of people can get it, like pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. Once those in the higher risk groups are protected, the rest of us schleps can get vaccinated, if there's anything left.
My daughter and I have both received the seasonal flu vaccines, we had no side effects, not that I anticipated any. People who claim they always get the flu after getting a flu shot were probably already getting sick, at least that's what my doctor tells me. Still, like many other people, I too had my questions about the Swine vaccine. After a long talk with my daughter's pediatrician, a true non-alarmist, I was left very reassured. The good doctor says it's a safe vaccine, produced in a very similiar way to the seasonal variety. She recommended that my daughter get it as soon as it was available to her, and me too.
In the meantime, I'll keep slathering on that hand sanitizer.