As this flu season can confirm, germs can spread like wildfire. Though we may try to ward off any nasty viruses by washing our hands or staying away from anyone contagious, there are a few sneaky places where bacteria can still infect us without even knowing it. Here are the top 5 places germs like to lurk and how you can fight back.
Cell Phone
Your cell phone may be transmitting germs directly to you. It’s common to think that our phones are safe from any germ infestations. However, our phones don’t typically stay by our side 24/7. We place them on office desks, in purses or on public restaurant tables. One report shows that the average American checks their phone 47 times a day. That means, there are 47 times you’re prone to harmful bacteria.
Fight Back: Disinfect your phone a few times a week with a disinfectant wipe.
The Kitchen Sink
Who knew a cleaning appliance could be a breeding ground for bacteria! What makes a kitchen sink susceptible to germs is not the sink itself, but the cooking supplies we wash in them. For example: If you prepared raw meat on a cutting board, that cutting board may now be exposed to salmonella—a harmful bacteria to human. Though you may wash it with dish soap, there may be traces of salmonella left in your sink.
Fight Back: Take time once a week to disinfect your sink and faucet with an all-purpose cleaning solution.
The Remote Control
Remote controls have a reputation for being a germ hot spot. This is because every family member, who’s been around town all day, will likely come into contact with this gadget. Before you know it, the germs left on the remote can easily spread from member-to-member.
Fight Back: Wipe all remote controls down with disinfectant wipes a few times a week.
Kitchen Sponge/Rag
Your kitchen sponge and dish rag often takes the brunt of your toughest cleaning jobs. So, it should serve as no surprise that they’re loaded with a plethora of germs and bacteria. Kitchen sponges are one of the top incubators for germs. Their moistness and porous holes make perfect conditions for bacteria to grow. Additionally, your kitchen dish rag is just as susceptible too, since they’re often used for wiping down infected kitchen countertops.
Fight Back: Kill bacteria left on kitchen sponges and rags by microwaving them for one minute. Replace both every 30 days.
Salt and Pepper Shakers
What’s often a staple on any dining or restaurant table is also one of the dirtiest. Research shows that a standard pepper shaker can contain upwards to 11,600 different bacteria. This is because salt and pepper shakers are rarely washed out and sanitized, making them easy vessels for transferring germs.
Fight Back: Carry along with you a pocket-size bottle of hand sanitizer and use it directly after handling a salt or pepper shaker.
Preventative measures like these are always best for reducing your chances of getting sick. But, if you do happen to catch any illness bug, set up an appointment with us. Our medical staff is trained to assess and provide wellness care you need to recover.
