Michele Samarya-Timm writes:

As TV gears up for this week’s episode of American Idol, one can only wonder if vomit will continue as the theme of Hollywood week. (Or if Spinal Tap’s Stumpy Joe will be their new poster child.)

From the Washington Post: Idol hopeful Amy is in a group but “it seems everyone Amy has come into contact with is dropping like flies,” narrates Ryan Seacrest while we see a chick vomit into a plastic bag.

Unfortunately, that girl wasn’t the only one. And viewers were treated to views of several Idol hopefuls sharing their technicolor songs.

The producers at American Idol and Fox have been plagued with similar communicable diseases in previous seasons. In 2008 TMZ reported that flu had infected contestants, their family members and show staff more than ever, and a meeting was called to warn the "Idols" about being aware of who they come in contact with, ways to protect their voices and how to try to avoid catching the virus. Have the producers or the network not yet learned about basic disease transmission? Or is vomiting being used to improve ratings?

Time and again we see preventable outbreaks of this type. Just like the collegiate outbreaks currently inundating health officials in New Jersey, this Idol Flu is most likely norovirus.

Norovirus can be found in the vomit and stool (diarrhea) of people who are infected. Also, the virus can spread in the air by droplets. So sitting next to someone vomiting in a garbage bag, or hugging someone who is currently, obviously ill may not be a smart thing to do.

Some Idol-worthy thing you can do: Wash your hans often; vomit in private; stay home (or in your hotel room) when sick.

Or be prepared to include songs like Tubthumping (Chumbawumba), I Feel Like Throwing Up (Weird Al), I’ll Never Drink Again (Headthrob) , or the Puking Song (the Dead Milkmen).

And Fox, my idols wash their hands.