The War on Germs

As the days get shorter, susceptibility to the common cold and flu viruses grows larger. Colder outdoor temperatures force people indoors, increasing your likelihood of ...

 contracting a nasty bug. Learn the most common areas where germs are hiding as well as good strategies to combat them to ensure you have a safe and healthy flu season this year.

Hidden Areas that Harbor Germs

Obviously, it’s never a good idea to shake hands with someone who just coughed or sneezed. But are you aware of other common places where germs hide? Consider the following culprits:

Keyboards. Computer keyboards are notorious for harboring germs. Be particularly cautious if you share a computer with multiple people.

Cell phone. Not only do you constantly touch your cell phone, but you also hold it close to your face to talk. This makes it a huge carrier of bugs.

In your laundry. Washing clothes on a cold or warm cycle may not sufficiently kill germs. Use hot water, particularly when washing sheets and towels.

Grocery store carts. Take a moment before you grab a grocery cart at your local store. Wiping down the handle may save you from contracting nasty germs.

Kitchen appliances. Astonishingly, kitchen appliances harbor more germs than a typical bathroom sink.

Gas station pump. More than 70% of gas station pumps are home to disease-causing microorganisms, making them one of the top carriers of germs.

Car interior. Many of us practically live inside our cars, especially during the winter months. Car interiors collect bacteria but rarely get cleaned, making them a common host for disease-causing bugs.

How to Keep Yourself Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Staying healthy during flu season may seem like an uphill battle, but taking a few simple actions can dramatically lower your risk of the common cold or flu.

Get a flu shot. The number one thing you can do to prevent your risk of the flu is to get a flu shot. Getting a flu shot in the fall or early winter protects you throughout the flu season.

Wash your hands. Washing your hands before you eat and anytime you use the bathroom will help prevent you from getting sick.

Carry hand sanitizer. A quick squeeze of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer kills most germs, making this a smart strategy when soap and water are unavailable.

Use vinegar. Vinegar is a great antimicrobial agent and doesn’t contain the caustic chemicals of many harsh household cleaners. Simply fill a bottle with vinegar and spray down your counters, door knobs, and sink surfaces to get rid of germs.

Avoid touching your face. Break yourself of the habit of touching your face or rubbing your nose or eyes. This spreads viruses and bacteria from your hands into your body.

Wear a face mask. If you know you’re sick, do everyone else a favor and wear a face mask when at the doctor’s office or commuting by bus or train.