From the CostcoConnection
Did you know that the average e adult catches 2-3 colds per year, according to the CDC? And, although the flu virus can linger a few hours on a surface, the cold virus can last for 8-12 hours and the norovirus can hang on for 28 days.
80% of infectious disease transmission comes through the hands. Washing your hands is your top defense from colds! Soap and water the is best, but hand sanitizer with 62-72% alcohol is just as good. Best practices for washing your hands: You must keep your hands wet and soapy for 15 seconds – about the time to singing the alphabet song.
Where do germs like to congregate in public areas?
Office Break Room: Everybody who visits this room brings germs, which commonly invade coffee pot handles and tabletop surfaces. Encourage your employer to place hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes in the break room. It is a good idea to have hand sanitizer easily accessible on your desk.
Public Bathrooms: Contrary to popular belief, the door handle is not the worst offender. The main worries include the floor – 90% of shoes contain fecal matter on the bottom which gets tracked in – and the tops and sides of stall doors. Jet dryers spray substantially more germs than sir dryers or paper towels. Germs have been found as far as 10 feet from jet dryers. Avoid setting purses or bags on the floor. Opt for paper towels over jet dryers.
Airplanes: There are two main germ areas – restrooms and table trays. Restroom sinks are so small that it’s tough to wash hands well. Meanwhile, those trays often don’t get cleaned during flights. And don’t discount fellow passengers who are sneezing and coughing especially if they’re within 6 feet, the range for droplets to spread. Carry hand sanitizer to the bathroom and use when you are done. Pack disinfecting wipes to clean the tray table before you set anything on it. Wear a scarf. Aside from looking fashionable, studies have found scarves to be just as effective as hospital masks. When you hear a nearby passenger cough or sneeze, burry your nose in the scarf for 30 seconds.
Shopping Malls: Elevator buttons and escalator handrails are two of the biggest germ mongers. Avoid touching escalator handrails but if you must, at least sanitize your hands when you’re off. In elevators, use your knuckles or follow up using hand sanitizer. Washing your kid’s hands frequently should be a priority.
Fitness Centers: Gyms may not be as bad as you think ‘cause folks are getting better about wiping down equipment, but that doesn’t mean germs aren’t hiding. Keep your hand clean by washing or sanitizing them. Help your fellow gym-members out by sanitizing your equipment after use.