Common Places That Carry Germs
By Genevieve Cunningham
It’s the time of year when we’re all trying to stay far away from the flu and the common cold. No one likes to be sick, but sometimes it seems inevitable no matter how many precautions we take. While it’s true that we can’t completely avoid germs and illness, we may be able to avoid more than we think. In many cases, we carry around tons of germs without even knowing it. To avoid sickness this season, take a look at these common germ carriers that you should clean on a daily basis.
Your Cell Phone
Think about how often your phone gets set down on random surfaces. Tables, counters ... the floor. And then we take this item and place it right against our face. Gross! To help with this, practice better restraint in where you place your phone. It can also be beneficial to carry around a wipe that can be used on the surface safely.
Your Purse Straps
If you’re a woman, you know all too well the beating that your purse takes. It gets shoved into all sorts of places, left on all types of surfaces, and collects all kinds of disgusting germs. It might even have to sit on the public bathroom floor. It’s a good idea to clean your purse, inside and out, on a regular basis. Wipe down the outside and the straps every day. Clean out the inside contents at least once a week. Unless you’re very particular about the location of your purse, just expect it to be one of your dirtiest accessories.
The Shopping Cart
We all walk into the store, grab a buggy, and get to shopping. But just stop and think about how many other people have touched that cart today. It might be dozens of different people. And the chance that at least one of those people sneezed, rubbed their nose or eyes, and then touched the basket is pretty high. Make it a habit to wipe down the buggy handle every time you begin to shop. And to make it healthier for everyone else, do your best to wipe it down when you’re finished with it as well.
There’s really not any way to avoid all sickness in your life. But if you pay attention, there are ways to limit your exposure to massive amounts of germs. Be diligent in keeping yourself, your home, and your items clean. It might save you from this year’s flu or keep you feeling better year round.