Germs are like God, they are found everywhere. Our modern lifestyle has only increased the risk of germ infections. We cannot just easily label any item as safe and brush it aside. Most of the items and things around are a potential source for infections. So how to protect ourselves from these?
How to defend ourselves from Infections?
1. Hotel Menu card
Most restaurants keep their tables, vessels, tumblers clean and sterile. But there is no way they will keep their menu cards clean. It will be used by hundreds of customers per day if any of them are infected by germs and left traces of it on a menu card, other users of that menu card can potentially get infected through it.
Prevention
Instead of washing the hands by the time you enter the restaurant, wash your hands after ordering the food. Doing so will reduce the risks of infection from the menu card.
2. Pen Caps
Many people and students have the habit of chewing their pen caps, some people just keep it in their mouth just out of habit. This can lead to infections through their mouth.
Prevention
Avoid keeping the pen cap or edges of pen or pencil in mouth completely.
3. Box with toothpicks
Not changing toothpicks box for a long time can be harmful. Also keeping this box in a corner or in a hole can make it a thriving habitat for germs.
Prevention
Changing the toothpicks to a new box after a certain time duration.
4. Computer Keyboard and Mouse
Keyboard and mouse are almost unavoidable devices that we use almost every single day.
Sometimes we just tap into keyboard keys and click mouse buttons without any reason. Unfortunately, keyboard and mouse carry maximum levels of germs. This levels can get even higher if it’s used by multiple people.
Prevention
Eating foods while operating keyboard and mouse must be avoided. It is a good habit to wash off the hands thoroughly after using it. Keyboard and mouse need to be cleaned at least once a week.
5. Mobile phones
Mobile phones rank first in the list of gadgets we use every day. Many people use it almost everywhere and during any time. Infections and germs in mobile phones are mostly determined by the place they are stored in. Keeping it in unhygienic places and placing it over ears while talking can potentially lead to infections.
Prevention
Cleaning the phone frequently and not keeping it in unhygienic places will prevent infections through mobile phones.
6. EarPods and headsets
Using EarPods used by someone else can lead to infections. This can also potentially damage ear drums.
Prevention
Using others headsets and EarPods must be avoided. In unavoidable situations, it can be used after making sure it is clean or clean it before putting it on. It’s good to completely avoid using EarPods and headphones. Because using headphones and EarPods regularly can permanently damage ears and hearing ability.
7. Vessels and plates
Plates and vessels are mainly used for food. Extra care needs to be taken to make sure they are clean before using it.
Prevention
It is a good practice to wash the plates and vessels in warm water and dry it. Under no circumstances can plates be shared with others. Only foods can be shared not plates.
8. Toys
Biting the toys, placing it in sands, keeping it in unhygienic places and playing with it acts as the main reason for infections.
Prevention
Parents need to be watchful of their kids. They need to keep the toys clean and wash the clothes on it regularly.
9. Handkerchief and Towels
Handkerchiefs and towels act as a source of contact for a cough, cold, fever, sweat, and even parasites. So it can easily lead to many infections.
Prevention
We should not lend our handkerchief to others. It needs to be washed periodically. Washes kerchiefs must be dried properly. Same goes with towels.
10. Straw
Nobody shares a straw with others, so its possibility for infection lies with the way it’s stored and packed.
Prevention
Avoid using straw completely. Instead of drinking juices in shops and along streets, prepare it at home and consume.
11. Door and Doorknobs
Truly, door knobs are a better source of infections than toilet papers. Public toilets, in particular, is used by many people every day. Door knobs in these places can be the source of many infections.
Prevention
Cleaning hands and legs thoroughly after using toilets is a must. Doing this will prevent infections through hands and legs. Also while using door knobs of the toilet, cover it with tissue and dispose of after using it.
12. Cloths
It is necessary to wash the clothes regularly. Building up unwashed clothes in a particular place with nurture germs. When using these cloths next time, it can lead to infections. Using shawls and jeans for many days without washing will also lead the formation of germs.
Prevention
Unwashed clothes should not be piled up. Using unwashed clothes must be avoided. Inner wears must be changed once in three months.
13. Hairpins
Many people have the habit of keeping their hairpins in the mouth. This can lead to infections through the mouth.
Prevention
Hairpins should not be kept in the mouth and used.
14. Shaving Razors
Shaving razors are mostly used by men. Reusing shaving razors or sharing it with others must be avoided.
Prevention
Use the razor only once.
15. Tissue Paper
Not disposing of tissue paper will lead to the formation of disease-causing germs. Storing unused tissue paper for long duration can cause germ formation.
Prevention
Tissue papers are more hygienic than using handkerchiefs. But it needs to be disposed of properly after using it. Also, it should be used only once.
16. TV Remote
We place TV remotes anywhere at home and use it. When we give it to kids, they can place it in their mouth. This can lead to infections.
Prevention
Remotes need to be cleaned regularly. Eating foods and snacks while using it must be avoided.
17. Cards
We use ATM cards, debit cards, credit cards on a regular basis. Also, we use it in many places including shopping malls, supermarkets, petrol bunks, and almost everywhere. While using it these cards can catch bacterias from swiping machines.
Prevention
Present lifestyle doesn’t allow us to avoid using these cards. So it’s better to wash our hands before eating the food.
18. Toilet Paper
Toilet papers are used in many places including home, hotels restaurants etc… These papers are usually placed in near proximity of toilets while flushing out, there are chances that splashed out water can get absorbed into it.
Prevention
Before using toilet papers, tear the first couple of rounds of tissue paper and dispose of it. Use the rest of it.
19. Books
Storing books in cupboards for longer time duration can make it a favorable place for germs. Some of these germs can even infest the walls.
Prevention
Cupboards must be cleaned periodically. Though it can good practice to have a home library, but maintaining the books in good condition is also essential. Not only for books but also for us.
20. Handbags, School bags, and office bags
People who travel to work will keep their handbags, office bags in bus, trains and in public places. Students place their school bags almost everywhere and use it. This can lead to infections from germs.
Prevention
Bags we regularly use must be washed once a week. Unwanted stuff and things should not be kept inside bags. While traveling, keeping the bags in unhygienic places must be avoided.
21. Keys
As keys are used by everyone in the family, this includes home keys, bike keys, car keys etc.. It can cause infection.
Prevention
Keys should not be placed everywhere, use a proper key holder and keep it clean.
22. Tooth Brush Stand
In most homes, wash basins are usually placed inside bathrooms. When keeping toothbrush inside the bathroom, germs inside the room can infect the toothbrush.
Prevention
Toothbrushes must be placed inside a separate box. It needs to clean well. Both before and after using it.
Before Washing the Hands…
Washing the hands properly will prevent infections from all of the mentioned spots in this article. While washing hands we need to make sure to wash the places between fingers, joints and nails are washed properly and thoroughly. After washing hands, it needs to be dried well with clean and dry cotton cloth. Instead of using hand wash to clean the hands, we can use soap water.
