The world is a germy place, but you probably didn’t realize how many disease-causing microbes you come in contact with by simply going about your regular routine.
Strep bacteria (sore throat, ear infections), rhinoviruses (colds), flu viruses, noroviruses (stomach flu), MRSA (skin infections), and many more lurk in high numbers in certain places.
That’s why experts say it’s important to wash your hands with regular soap often throughout the day. Avoid using antibacterial products with triclosan, a chemical linked to hormonal problems.
Here are six hot spots that contain a high concentration of germs:
Your desk: Research from the University of Arizona found that the average office desktop plays host to 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat in that same office.
Germs can also hang out on your phone, keyboard, and computer monitor. Using ammonium chloride disinfecting wipes can reduce bacteria by 99.9 percent.
Also, “targeting other commonly touched desk items such as keyboards and phone receivers in the morning or before you leave at night will help to reduce the cycle of germ spread,” explains Kelly A. Reynolds, associate professor of environmental health sciences and director of the Environment, Exposure Science and Risk Assessment Center at the University of Arizona.
Water bottles: “The surfaces of our teeth, tongues, and gums are covered in hundreds of different species of bacteria,” says family and cosmetic dentist Jonathan Schwartz, associate professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia College.
“The opening of a water bottle is probably the biggest hot spot. The water transfers bacteria back and forth between the mouth and bottle.”
A pull-up spout can make matters worse since your hands can add to this collection of germs. Don’t reuse disposable bottles and wash the reusable kind regularly with soap and hot water.
ATMs: Cash isn’t the only thing you can get at the automated teller machine. “ATMs are frequently touched by lots of different hands and are rarely disinfected, so they can effectively spread germs among individuals,” explains Reynolds.
Studies show that the buttons on these machines can be home to E. coli, salmonella, norovirus and rotavirus. (The cash you get can also carry germs.) Wash hands promptly after using an ATM.
Gym equipment: Cardio machines like treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes are major transfer points for germs because of users’ sweat. “MRSA is a concern here, as well as E. coli, salmonella, rhinovirus, and norovirus,” says Reynolds. A study in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine found that 51 percent of the cardio equipment tested was contaminated with viruses, most often the common-cold causing rhinovirus.
“Reduce your exposure by covering any skin that might come into contact with equipment surfaces or by using a towel barrier,” explains Reynolds. Also, wipe equipment down with the paper towels and sprays most gyms provide before you workout. Shower as soon as possible after.
Reusable shopping bags: Although healthier for the environment, they can carry germs.
“Reusable shopping bags provide an opportunity for germ cross-contamination among food items,” cautions Reynolds. “If these bags are not routinely washed, germs will persist and may even grow.” A study at the University of Arizona in conjunction with Loma Linda University in California found E. coli on half of the reusable bags tested.
Cellphones: Cellphones go everywhere with us and pick up germs from all the places we go. “A cellphone is the perfect storm for germ transmission,” says Reynolds.
Studies show that the average phone is home to more bacteria than the bottom of a pair of shoes. Regularly clean your phone with disinfecting wipes. Clorox Disinfecting wipes and Lysol Wipes are generally safe, but you should check with the manufacturer of your device to make sure.
Don’t use bleach on touch screens.
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