Avoiding Germs
|
|
Avoiding Germs |
|
|
 Respiratory
infections affect the nose, throat and lungs; they include influenza (the
"flu"), colds and pertussis (whooping cough). The germs (viruses and bacteria)
that cause these infections are spread from person to person in droplets from
the nose, throat and lungs of someone who is sick. This can happen when droplets
from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and are
deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Sometimes germs also can be
spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a
surface like a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before
washing their hands. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or
longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. You can help stop the spread of these germs by practicing "respiratory etiquette," or good health manners. Here are some tips to keep from spreading your germs to others, and to keep from catching someone else’s germs. Hand washing the single most effective way to avoid both spreading and catching germs!! Wash your as soon as you sneeze or cough, if you don't always have a sink nearby use antiseptic wipes. When you wash your hands warm water and soap will kill the germs, but be sure you don’t rush. Hand washing should take about 20 seconds or two choruses of "Happy Birthday". The next step in avoiding germs is to keep your hands away from your eyes and mouth. Keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose. Viruses on your skin are waiting to jump into your bloodstream through your eyes, nose and mouth. Learning not to touch your face may be a great way to avoid getting a virus and stay healthy. The kitchen harbors more germs than any other room in the home , even more than the bathroom. And the greatest concentration is found, far and away, in the moist germ havens we call kitchen sponges and dishcloths. And these are the very same germs with which people in that household get sick. Sink drains, faucet handles, and doorknobs, especially in the kitchen or bathroom, are the next highest on the list. Toilet seats had fewer germs than any other surface tested! Don’t share food, utensils or beverage containers with others. Be careful not share things like towels, lipstick, toys, or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs. Shopping cart handles are prime culprits in the spread of germs. Some supermarkets now offer germ-killing towelette dispensers in the cart area. Bring your own if they don't. Use them to sanitize the cart handle, and never put fresh produce in the cart seat, where diaper-aged children often sit. A jog around the block a few times a week not only can do wonders for your physique, it also might prevent you from getting sick. There’s something about making your heart pump that’s good for your body. It strengthens your heart and strengthens your immune system. Avoid the first floor button in elevators. In an elevator, the first-floor button harbors the most germs because more people touch it than any other button. If you can, let someone else push it so you don't have to touch it. Bring along water and keep hydrated. Being well hydrated can make you less susceptible to viral infections in general. Be sure and drink plenty of water when you are flying, airplanes are an easy place to get dehydrated and dehydration can lower your defenses to germs. You can also prevent germs from wreaking havoc on your body by watching what you eat (and washing what you eat!). Vitamin rich fruits and vegetables boost your body’s natural ability to fight disease and bacteria. An apple a day really does keep the doctor away, as do oranges, pears, and many other tasty fruits. Remember that such produce is likely to contain trace amounts of pesticides so rinse your fruits and veggies. Stay as far away as possible from people showing signs of the flu and if you are sick do everyone a favor and stay away from work! When your at the gym or public pool, avoid going barefoot. Wearing flip-flops in the shower helps reduce the risk of contracting athlete’s foot, according to WebMD. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection contracted when a bare foot makes contact with a moist environment, such as a gym locker room or communal shower. The result: an infection that causes tiny cracks between your toes and can also result in flaking and a severe burning pain. |
| Innovative Improvements is dedicated to providing quality information for improving all aspects of everyday life. |
|
|