Germs are everywhere. They’re in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, plants, animals, soil and pretty much every surface on earth, including our bodies.
While most germs are either good or harmless, a lot of others are dangerous. When dangerous germs enter our bodies, they release toxins that damage our tissues and make us sick.
The best way to prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of infection is by practicing a prescribed set of habits recommended by health professionals. In this regard, here are 5 expert tips you should follow.
1. Maintain Good Hygiene
Good personal hygiene through bathing and washing of hands is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. When you shower with soap you disrupt the chemical bonds that allow germs to stick to the skin. In addition, soap wraps the germs in tiny molecule bubbles called micelles that enable them to be washed away with water.
To kill germs, always wash your hands with soap and water especially after using the restroom. When washing hands with soap and water, wet hands first with water, add soap, and rub hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and fingers. Rinse hands with water and dry thoroughly with a disposable towel. Use towel to turn off the faucet. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also good to use when handwashing with soap and water is not available.
2. Regularly Disinfect and Sanitize Your Home
To curb the spread of germs in your home, regularly clean and disinfect surfaces such as the floors and countertops. Pay more attention to the rooms that are frequently used and visited such as the kitchen, living room, and restrooms as these can harbor the most germs.
In addition, sanitize all the handles, light switches, stove knobs, refrigerator surfaces, sink drains, and faucets in your home as these tend to get touched a lot. Don’t forget the keys, cell phones, wallets, and toys that kids regularly play with.
3. Avoid Contact with Infected Parties
If a family member or loved one is sick, have them use a separate bedroom and bathroom while they are recuperating. This will prevent the disease-causing germs from spreading to other household members and causing them to become sick, as well. If you’re taking care of the patient, wear gloves and a face mask before making contact. When you’re done, remember to always wash your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer.
4. Observe Food Safety Rules
Food safety rules are designed to ensure people don’t become sick from consuming contaminated foods.
Health experts advise that foods such as meat should be cooked thoroughly to kill all germs and bacteria. Any cooked food should also be covered and should not be placed next to raw foods. In case you need to warm food, ensure you reheat it thoroughly to kill off any new germs that may be present.
5. Store Garbage Properly
Waste from fruits, vegetables and meat tend to attract insects that spread nasty germs. Over time, bacteria can accumulate on such waste and drift into the air. For this reason, health experts advise that you store any waste in air-tight plastic bags and deposit the bags in a garbage can as you await for the trash pick-up. As always, remember to disinfect your hands immediately afterwards.