Every 20 minutes, certain bacteria divide under optimal conditions. Some of them can cause illness. But fortunately, most germs aren’t bad. The body’s immune system is the bulwark against the infidels of infection, destroying most of the harmful ones before they can do much damage.
Still, the immune system is not an absolute defense, because germs mutate, and there are locations in the home and office where they can thrive and potentially cause problems to loved ones. The infectious agents include viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi and helminths.
The good news is protection from most of the bad germs can be accomplished through one single -- yet simple -- action. And that's by keeping the hands clean. Most viruses and bacteria are transferred to a body via the mouth, eyes and nose, and the hands can also transmit those same germs to others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. It doesn’t matter if the water isn’t steaming hot. What’s needed is creating friction so that the lingering germs are scrubbed away.
Hand sanitizer can help, but it should not take the place of regular hand washing. Bleach and water can also be a good tool for disinfecting most surfaces, but make sure to dilute it to a reasonable level and keep hands clear of the solution.
INFECTION AND DISEASE
There is a big difference between disease and infection. Infection occurs when bacteria, microbes or viruses enter the body and begin to multiply. A disease occurs when bacteria damage the body and illness results.
When the body’s immune system detects a problem, white blood cells, antibodies, and other defense mechanisms work hard to fight off the problem. This causes sneezing, coughing and the body temperature may rise, all signs that something is wrong and the immune system is battling it. While that is a good thing, the interim stages before that battle is won isn’t pleasant and usually sends the afflicted straight to bed.
WARNING: DANGER AHEAD
So what can be done to prevent the family from coming in contact with germs? The first step is to recognize the potential areas where they thrive. Here are several potential hotspots.
1. The Kitchen Sink – Yes, that old wives tale is true – the toilet is probably cleaner than the kitchen sink. That’s because food particles that didn’t wash down the drain or still line the dishes that are stacked in the sink are breeding grounds for salmonella and E.coli. Coming into contact with these germs can spread them to hands and onward to the innards. Although most people clean and disinfect the toilet, the sink is left to fester, usually because we wash it frequently with water. Here’s a hint: it’s not clean, and invisible germs are present unless destroyed with bleach and water at least once a day and thoroughly washed away down the drain. Follow up that procedure with some vigorous hand-washing.
2. The Toothbrush – Yes, that stick with bristles that is inserted into the mouth several times a day is full of germs that love the moisture on the brush. Worse, if the toothbrush is kept in the vicinity toilet, it may wind up contaminated when a spray of water droplets hits the air after flushing. The germs from the toilet flush can linger in the bathroom air for up to two hours after flushing. It’s also a good idea to frequently change the brush on the electric toothbrushes or purchase a new toothbrush, particularly after an illness.
3. The TV remote control – Everyone handles it in the household. Hopefully, loved ones are diligent about keeping their hands clean. Some food for thought -- imagine, though, what the remote in a hotel room must contain! Giving the remote a once over with some hand sanitizer is probably a good idea.
4. The salt and pepper shaker – A 2008 study by the University of Virginia found that salt and pepper shakers are prime breeding grounds for viruses, particularly if handled by someone who is already ill. Wipe them down on a regular basis.
5. Computer keyboards and desks – If a family member or roommate sneezes near the keyboard, if someone frequently eats at the desk or otherwise comes into contact with it after being out and about, he or she is probably bringing a host of germs along for the ride. That’s why it’s necessary to thoroughly wash hands after working on the computer.
6. The bathtub – Like the kitchen sink, few people think to sanitize it after use. But because the human body is in touch with it while naked, things like fecal matter can be found in most bathtubs. This can scatter and spray around the room when the water is turned on. Spray it down with bleach.
7. Sponges and dish towels – When was the last time either was cleaned or changed? Both retain moisture and can be breeding grounds after being used for various tasks. And they’re used near the kitchen sink, where bacteria can be splashed and sprayed constantly.
8. Door knobs and other handles – Everyone probably realizes that the door knob gets a lot of traffic, and maybe it actually gets wiped off now and then. But few realize that the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator door handles need the same treatment. Frequently cleaning is a good prevention step.
9. Makeup applicators – They have bristles and other nooks that are prime lounging areas for all kinds of bacteria and germs. Use alcohol to clean brushes and prevent eye and skin infections caused by dirty brushes.
10. Wet and dry laundry – By leaving wet laundry in the washing machine, clothes become a breeding ground for germs. If wet clothes can’t be retrieved and placed in the dryer within 30 minutes, it’s a good idea to run them through the wash cycle again.
Ultimately, determining where germs breed is a matter of common sense. If a thorough job of cleaning common areas that are frequently touched, used for food preparation, or are otherwise in human contact isn’t done on a regular basis, trouble can ensue. Wash, sanitize and do so frequently to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Germs are found everywhere, particularly around the house. Here’s a review of some areas that might contain a surprising amount of germs.