Winter is coming and that means the cold and flu season is upon us. Avoid these 10 surfaces where germs love to gather. Also read the hygiene tips and the end to stay well.
- Shopping Carts
Do you know how many people have touched the shopping cart handle today? This surface is filled with germs. Don’t touch your eyes or nose before washing your hands. Some grocery stores even have disinfecting wipes available to wipe down the carts before you shop.
- Restaurant Menus
You probably never considered it but these frequently handled items are crawling in germs. Just make sure to wash your hands before eating.
- The Ketchup Bottle
Also be aware that any condiment dispenser (mustard, salt, pepper, etc) has been touched by a lot of people. Use a napkin to hold it if possible.
- Public Restroom Door Handles
Whether it’s the handle to the stall or the bathroom entrance, these are a favorite hideout for germs. Use tissue paper or your elbow when opening and closing restroom doors.
- Bath Mats
A bath mat just sits there and soaks up shower water like a sponge making it a perfect place for germs to grow. Throw this in the wash weekly during the winter.
- Headphones
Using headphones for an hour has been shown to coat them in bacteria from the ear. Wipe them down with a cleaning wipe but be careful since these are electronic.
- Yoga Mats
Not only do many people sweat during yoga but their hands and feet are all over the studio mat. Bring a clean towel to place on top of an exercise mat if you need to borrow one.
- TV Remote
A hospital study found that the remote was three times germier than everything else in the room. Clean these regularly especially if a sick person has used it.
- Airplane Bathrooms
You are 100 times more likely to catch a cold while airborne. These mile-high bathrooms are known not to be germy so wash your hands and avoid contact with door handles.
- Doctor’s Office
Although you are here to get better, this is not the place to go to avoid germs. Reduce your risk of getting sick this winter by bringing your own reading materials and hand sanitizer.
Now that you know to stay away from these 10 germy surfaces, insure your health by practicing these regular hygiene tips.
- Wash Your Hands Frequently: During the winter wash your hands even more than normal and for at least 20 seconds. CDC Hand-washing Recommendations
- Stock Up on Hand Sanitizer: Make sure yours is at least 60% alcohol to kill germs properly.
- Wipe Down Shopping Carts: Use a disinfectant wipe to clean this germy surface.
