Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Avoid these 8 germy surfaces to stave off the flu
As the nation braces for a swine flu outbreak, Americans are doing all they can to avoid the flu. But for many, it won't be enough. A White House report estimates that up to 40% of Americans could experience swine flu symptoms in the coming months.
Fortunately, we each play a significant role in reducing our risk of infection. Avoiding these 8 germy surfaces can help you keep healthy and stave off swine flu.
Surface #1: Gas Pumps
Gas pumps are some of the germiest surfaces around. Hundreds of hands touch gas station pump handles and keypads every day, making them a breeding ground for swine flu germs and other harmful bacteria. Wash away those germs by keeping a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your car.
Surface #2: Elevator Buttons
Elevator buttons are a popular attraction. Hundreds of people touch them each day, making them a primary source of the swine flu virus. If you can, take the stairs; if not, touch the button with your knuckle or elbow, not your fingertip.
Surface #3: Doorknobs
Doorknobs are one of the prime surfaces for transmitting harmful germs and bacteria. If you can, wash your hands with soap and water or swab them with an alcohol-based cleaner after opening a door. If you're even more cautious, use a tissue to keep your hand from contracting millions of germs.
Surface #4: Drinking Fountains
Moist surfaces can harbor a countless amount of bacteria. A report by NSF International found that drinking fountains contain up to 2.7 million bacterial cells per square inch. In fact, studies have shown that water fountains harbor more bacteria than toilet seats.
Surface #5: Purses and Wallets
Because most men and women keep their wallets and purses close to their bodies, they stay near body temperature--an ideal temperature for swine flu bacteria to multiply. Paper currency is especially harmful. It passes through thousands of germ-filled hands before it hits the wallet.
Surface #6: Telephones
Telephones are a source for two of the worst entry-points for germs: your hands and your mouth. Germs collected on your hands are spread across the handle, and germy saliva collects on the mouthpiece. If you use a phone after someone else, you're breathing in their germs. And be honest: how often do you clean your phone?
Surface #7: Television Remote Control
When people are sick with a flu, they hop into bed and grab their remote control. Remote controls are almost never cleaned, making them even more hazardous. If a member of your family has swine flu, swab the remote down with disinfectant.
Surface #8: Hotel rooms
Hotels are notorious for their lack of cleanliness. From the bed to the shower to the mini-bar, the average hotel room is teeming with germs. If you can, avoid hotels altogether; otherwise, make sure to wipe down surface areas (especially the bathroom) with cleanser.
Unless you live in a bubble, you're at risk for catching swine flu. If you should need to see a doctor or visit a hospital as a result of those symptoms, it's important that you're protected with a proper health insurance policy. Keep your body in good health by shopping for an affordable health insurance policy.
http://www.wxvt.com/Global/story.asp?S=3599378&nav=menu1344_8_4_2
As the nation braces for a swine flu outbreak, Americans are doing all they can to avoid the flu. But for many, it won't be enough. A White House report estimates that up to 40% of Americans could experience swine flu symptoms in the coming months.
Fortunately, we each play a significant role in reducing our risk of infection. Avoiding these 8 germy surfaces can help you keep healthy and stave off swine flu.
Surface #1: Gas Pumps
Gas pumps are some of the germiest surfaces around. Hundreds of hands touch gas station pump handles and keypads every day, making them a breeding ground for swine flu germs and other harmful bacteria. Wash away those germs by keeping a small bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your car.
Surface #2: Elevator Buttons
Elevator buttons are a popular attraction. Hundreds of people touch them each day, making them a primary source of the swine flu virus. If you can, take the stairs; if not, touch the button with your knuckle or elbow, not your fingertip.
Surface #3: Doorknobs
Doorknobs are one of the prime surfaces for transmitting harmful germs and bacteria. If you can, wash your hands with soap and water or swab them with an alcohol-based cleaner after opening a door. If you're even more cautious, use a tissue to keep your hand from contracting millions of germs.
Surface #4: Drinking Fountains
Moist surfaces can harbor a countless amount of bacteria. A report by NSF International found that drinking fountains contain up to 2.7 million bacterial cells per square inch. In fact, studies have shown that water fountains harbor more bacteria than toilet seats.
Surface #5: Purses and Wallets
Because most men and women keep their wallets and purses close to their bodies, they stay near body temperature--an ideal temperature for swine flu bacteria to multiply. Paper currency is especially harmful. It passes through thousands of germ-filled hands before it hits the wallet.
Surface #6: Telephones
Telephones are a source for two of the worst entry-points for germs: your hands and your mouth. Germs collected on your hands are spread across the handle, and germy saliva collects on the mouthpiece. If you use a phone after someone else, you're breathing in their germs. And be honest: how often do you clean your phone?
Surface #7: Television Remote Control
When people are sick with a flu, they hop into bed and grab their remote control. Remote controls are almost never cleaned, making them even more hazardous. If a member of your family has swine flu, swab the remote down with disinfectant.
Surface #8: Hotel rooms
Hotels are notorious for their lack of cleanliness. From the bed to the shower to the mini-bar, the average hotel room is teeming with germs. If you can, avoid hotels altogether; otherwise, make sure to wipe down surface areas (especially the bathroom) with cleanser.
Unless you live in a bubble, you're at risk for catching swine flu. If you should need to see a doctor or visit a hospital as a result of those symptoms, it's important that you're protected with a proper health insurance policy. Keep your body in good health by shopping for an affordable health insurance policy.
http://www.wxvt.com/Global/story.asp?S=3599378&nav=menu1344_8_4_2