6 Easy Ways to Stay Germ Free
Julie Bitely
| 2 min read
Between the prevalence of issues like Enterovirus EV-D68 and the onset of cold and flu season, there’s never been a better time to step up your germ prevention skill set. Though many people over-stress about being germ-free, it’s always important to practice good hygiene. Keeping yourself healthy and void of illness not only affects you, but your family, co-workers and anyone else you are in close contact with.
The good news is that nowadays that’s also pretty easy to do. So here are six of the best ways to stay germ free for not only you, but those around you too:
- Antibacterial-ize: this should go without saying to keep yourself germ-free, but wash your hands often! Antibacterialsolutions are good ways to keep germs away on the go, but nothing substitutes a good hand wash with lather and warm water.
- Keep your hands to yourself: avoid touching things unless you have to and, if you must touch something, really avoid touching your face or body afterwards. Try to steer clear of physical contact with people who are sick or who you suspect may be sick.
- Boost your immune system: get enough sleep, take the appropriate vitamins, and exercise when you can. Getting an adequately elevated heart rate and sufficient rest are key ways to avoid germs before they pop up to affect your body.
- Sanitize your cleaning tools: thoughrags and cleaning supplies seem virtually harmless, if they are not washed and sanitized they could just be spreading even more germs each time you clean. Wash cloth rags regularly and let them dry completely before each use. If you use disposable cleaning products, be sure not to overuse them. It just counteracts the cleaning that you are able to accomplish.
- Purify your air: using a high-efficiency filter in your furnace system helps keep out agitators like mold and pet dander. The American Lung Association also promotes them to reduce the spread of the flu and improve respiratory health. If you don’t want to front the cash for a purifier, houseplantssometimes provide the same benefits.
- Use disposable plates, cups and utensils: if you or a loved one is sick, have them use disposable kitchenware to eat. Having to wash what they used leaves room for germs to spread…and fast.
How else do you keep yourself and your surroundings germ free?
Photo credit: Death to the Stock Photo
