Nurse's Office

Notes

It’s All on the Surface
Knowing where germs are found can help to keep you healthy

A study by the University of Virginia tested surfaces to see where cold sufferers left their germs. Commonly touched areas such as refrigerator doors and handles tested positive about 40 percent of the time. Salt and pepper shakers, doorknobs, remote controls, telephones, light switches and dishwasher handles were common contaminated areas also.

Kitchen surfaces and items can be hotbeds of germs as well. Sponges and dishrags are culprits that can recontaminate other areas of the kitchen. For prevention, it is advised to use a mild bleach solution to decontaminate and kill bacteria. It is also recommended that kitchen sponges be washed frequently.

You might be concerned about being exposed to people who are sick at the workplace. Although your office may be neat and tidy, many people put off cleaning their desks until they are sticking to them. Like millions of hard-working Americans, you probably eat at your desk too! In fact, there are four hundred times more bacteria on a desktop than on a toilet seat. Keyboards, computer mouses, phones and desktops are covered with germs that can make you sick. Good hand-washing is the key to keeping germs away. Ads may tell you that antibacterial soap is superior, but actually using proper hand-washing technique with any soap is just as good. A study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) determined that the incidence of disease did not differ significantly between households using plain soap versus antibacterial soap.

To stay well, wash your hands frequently, and be aware of surfaces that may be potentially contaminated.

Carol Keith R.N.
Patty Canright R.N.