Of course there are basic precautions to take when preventing the spread of germs, but what practices are time well spent and which ones aren't worth the worry? Lifestyle expert Elizabeth Mayhew separates fact from fiction.
Myth: Antibacterial products keep germs at bay.Fact: They can, but overuse has been linked to antibiotic-resistant superbugs, which is one reason the American Medical Association doesn't support their everyday use. Hand sanitizers are great when you can't get to a sink, but soap and water, the old-fashioned way of washing, is still the best method for killing bacteria. Wash your hands frequently and properly for at least 20 seconds at a time (or the time it takes you to sing "Happy Birthday") with soap and warm water.
If someone is sick in the home, it is a good idea to wipe down common surfaces with a disinfectant wipe or spray that will kill both bacteria and viruses. These would include doorknobs, drawer pulls, light switches, as well as faucet handles on sinks and toilets (one of the most germ-infested places is your refrigerator door handle). During the winter months, this can cut down on the transmission of rotovirus and colds.
However, during the rest of the year, it is not that helpful to become obsessive, constantly wiping down surfaces. It is much more effective to wash your hands frequently — before meals; before and after using a rest room; after using public transportation; and after coming home from work or school. A Canadian study found that people who washed their hands at least seven times a day had 75 percent fewer colds. Not only does handwashing protect you, it protects those you come into contact with.
Myth: Don't touch a baby unless you have scrubbed your hands.Fact: Of course, asking people to wash their hands before they handle your newborn is a smart idea, but there's no need to make everyone totally decontaminate. Newborns receive antibodies from their mothers in utero, so they are partially protected from viruses and bacteria at birth. Once he/she is 6 months old and has received some vaccinations, she'll make her own antibodies and be less susceptible to illness.
Myth: Public sandboxes are bacteria breeding grounds.Fact: If it's a public sandbox, there is no way to keep cats and critters out of it and they will consider it a public litter box. Your child is at risk if they stick their fingers in their mouth after playing in sand soiled with animal feces. This can cause pinworms and roundworms, which can lead to fever and stomach pains. Be sure to wash hands with soap and water and scrub under the nails when they are finished playing. Wash sand toys (and other plastic toys) in the dishwasher — it's a great way to sanitize them. Also use hand wipes or Purell to clean your kids' hands once they leave a public sandbox. Don't forget your own backyard: People should take care to tightly cover their sandboxes to prevent them from being contaminated by neighborhood cats, including the family pet.
Myth: Leftover food should go straight into the garbage.Fact: If your child's spoon was in a jar of baby food, or if your fork was all over the food on your plate, dump it. Digestive enzymes from the saliva can break down food and cause it to spoil more quickly, and it's not always easy to tell when it's gone bad. If you are going to eat leftovers, make sure you serve yourself a portion on a separate plate and do not eat straight from the container or carton. Cooked food can quickly grow unhealthy levels of bacteria at room temperature. If the cooked food is at room temperature for under an hour, it is safe to eat. After about four hours, it is definitely dangerous.
Food poisoning is more common around the holidays because we have big meals that go on for several hours. We are not inclined to get up and put away food in the middle of the meal. Food from a restaurant is even more iffy. We don't know how long it has been held at room temperature before it is served. Then it stays on the table until wrapped up and taken home. Chances are you exceed the four-hour limit even before you leave the restaurant.
Myth: Use the 5-second rule when things fall on the floor.Fact: People joke about it all the time, but any amount of time something spends on the floor is long enough for dropped objects to become contaminated with illness-causing bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. So it's always best to throw out dropped food and clean fallen items with hot water and soap before giving them back to your baby. Recently the rule was put to the test. A high school student contaminated a floor with E. coli, a bacteria found in human waste. She dropped cookies and gummy bears on this contaminated floor, picked them up after 1-5 seconds and tested bacterial levels. She found that even as little as two seconds on the floor left significant amounts of E. coli on the food items. So, if a piece of food falls on the floor, throw it out. A dropped pacifier should be replaced with a clean one.
Myth: Using a hand dryer in a public rest room can spread germs.Fact: Using a hot air dryer is preferable to using the rolling towel. A lot more germs are blown around each time the toilet is flushed.
Myth: Leave the puppy love to the dogs.Fact: Typically doggie kisses are not a cause for concern, but it's always best to wash up after being slobbered on by any animal. If the dog is unknowingly infected with parasites, they can be found inside the pooch’s mouth. Besides, you can't be sure what Fido last licked. There have been relatively few studies, but it appears doggy kisses are not an important source of infection for people. In fact, there are fewer viruses and bacteria in a dog's mouth than in our own. That being said, it is probably not a good idea to have your pet slobber on an infant. A bigger danger comes from petting the fur of a cat or dog whose coat is contaminated with feces or urine. I am not telling you not to touch your pets — but it is important to wash your hands(and those of your child) frequently. Also, it's a good idea to use gloves when emptying a litter box.
Some general good habits to follow:
1. Wash your hands often.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
3. Cover your mouth and nose when you are coughing or sneezing.