Everyday items can be the germiest
Posted on 15. Jan, 2012 by aqiumlogin in at work, family, health & safety
From telephones to doorknobs to books, germs can get on anything and spread quicker than a sneeze.
The bad news is that some of the most common items can be the nastiest when it comes to germs. The good news is there are ways to reduce continually spreading those germs and thus reducing the likelihood of illness.
“You’re not going to prevent spreading (germs),” said Don Roush, a microbiologist at the University of North Alabama. “What we need to do is to try and keep the number (of germs) on your hands down. That’s the best way to keep from spreading germs.”
There are items that people come in contact with every day that contain millions of germs and bacteria.
“Germs are transported very easily, so they are everywhere,” said Kristi Reece, a registered nurse practitioner with UNA’s Health Center. “We need some small amount of bacteria; we just don’t want too much and not share with each other.”
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control, the top dirtiest items that people touch every day include money, light switches, computer keyboards, cellphones and toilet seats.
“Most of these things we touch … multiple times,” Roush said. “Paper money is the world’s worse thing to carry germs, and that’s because it’s handled and handled and handled, and as long as it’s in circulation, those germs that come from being handled will spread.”
Other dirty items include shopping carts, remote controls, bathtubs, kitchen sinks and kitchen sponges.
There is a simple way to keep from spreading these germs.
“Wash your hands with soap and water, and do it frequently,” Reece said. She said CDC officials recommend scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds.
“Sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice,” she said. “That should give the amount of time to kill the germs and bacteria on your hands.”
Roush said if soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. And a good way to reduce the likelihood those germs will make you ill is to keep your hands away from your nose, mouth and eyes.
“Don’t lick your fingers when you count money or turn the pages in a book,” Roush said. “If you do, you’re getting the germs from whoever has touched the money or the book before you. Or if you drop your pen or pencil on the floor, don’t pick it up and put it in your mouth.”
Reece said during the holidays, where there are large crowds and a lot of socializing, sneezing or coughing into your elbow helps stop the spread of germs and bacteria.
“Be mindful — if you are sick, don’t cough in your hand and then shake hands with someone or pat them on the back,” Reece said.
“There are micro-organisms around us. You can’t avoid them, but you can lesson the spread of them if you just take a few simple steps,” Roush said.
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