Germs. We know they’re nasty little things that can make us sick and should be avoided if at all possible. The problem is that these horrid little microorganisms are just that, little and consequently impossible to see which makes avoiding them a little tricky. Knowing where germs are most commonly found can help you protect yourself and your family from being exposed to something that can make you unwell.
The kitchen
We tell children that they must wash their hands after using the bathroom, and they should but the kitchen is likely to be home to more germs than your bathroom. Horrible thought isn’t it. Toilets tend to be cleaned on a regular basis with bleach to remove germs but kitchens, especially sinks aren’t always cleaned as thoroughly. Food preparation and standing water all create a welcoming environment for germs to breed in.
Door handles
Think about it, what are the most touched items in your home, office or just about anywhere? Door handles. Whether entering or exiting a room, chances are that you have to open a door and the number of people touching a handle on a daily basis is consequently high. It’s a good idea to wipe down any handles you have at home and wash your hands often to avoid transferring germs. Use the same approach with light switches, electricity switches and any other high traffic items.
Phones and remotes
Telephones can be really gross. They tend to be in your hand most of the time unless we put them down on a surface where they can easily pick up germs. Added to that cell phones are taken just about everywhere that we go so there’s no saying what they can pick up outside of your home and transfer into your living space with relative ease. Remotes may not leave the living room but very often are passed from person to person, dropped on the floor, slip down the side of the chair and easily get very grubby indeed. This also extends to computer keyboards and laptops.
Handbags
Sad to say but your handbag (or man bag should you have one) could potentially make you sick. If you take your bag out with you and place it under the table when you’re out or on the floor of your car what happens when you pick it up and put it on your table or counter at home? All the germs that collected on the bottom of your bag have just been transferred to whatever surface you’ve put in it on. Ever put your bag down on your bed? Well the same applies. Germs survive better on soft surfaces than they do on hard ones, so any fabric, paper or soft material is a perfect mode of transport for those little bugs.
What to do
The best defence against germs is the one your mother taught you, wash your hands. Do it often and do it well. Warm water, soap (anti-bacterial if you can) and at least 20 seconds of washing, and don’t forget to dry your hands on a clean towel. Beyond that hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes will help you avoid the germs that will make you unwell, especially during the winter season when everyone seems to be sneezing, sniffing and coughing.
Just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean that it can’t harm you but taking a little more care and being aware of the possible problem areas will go a long way to helping you protect yourself and your family.