How to Protect Yourself From Germs in Public Places

Germs are everywhere and it can be difficult to get away from them.  It is helpful, however, to avoid contact with bacteria in public places whenever possible.  You can help yourself and your family members reduce the risk of getting sick by making some simple changes in how you function in public places.  It’s essential that you understand where these microorganisms are so that you can avoid them. 

Be Prepared

Germs are located on virtually every surface that you may come into contact with.  Of course, you won’t get sick from each of them.  Bacteria can live on some surfaces for a long time, making it essential that you take action to prevent touching them.  More and more stores and schools are supplying anti-bacterial wipes to use.  You should carry some with you wherever you go.

When shopping, always wipe the handle of the shopping cart or basket before you touch it.  This is a common place where bacteria collect.  Avoid touching your face, particularly your mouth, nose and eyes.  These areas provide instant access to your mucous membranes and are virtually unprotected.  You’ll greatly reduce the risk of getting sick by keeping your hands off your face.  Germs are primarily transmitted by your hands.

Bag Your Own Items

When shopping for produce at the supermarket, always bag your items.  That way, they won’t need to be touched unnecessarily by the cashier (who handles money and credit cards from many hundred strangers per day) when you’re checking out.  After shopping, wash your hands with warm water and soap.  If you can’t wash immediately, use a hand sanitizer.  If you hear someone coughing or sneezing, avoid getting near or switch to another checkout. 

Teach Kids Good Hygiene Habits

Good hygiene habits go a long way in reducing illness in children.  Kids are especially known to put their hands in their mouths and eyes.  This can spread germs more quickly.  Teach children to wash their hands every time they go to the bathroom and before each meal or snack.  Simply rinsing their hands isn’t enough.  It’s important to wash hands for 1 to 3 minutes in warm water with soap.  When kids can’t wash their hands, they should use hand sanitizer to keep their hands clean.

Children should be taught not to kiss and touch other children.  If your child has a cold or is ill, keep him or her home from school to avoid spreading the illness to others.  If other kids are sick, teach your child to stay further away during play.  Kids should also learn not to share food and drink items, to avoid spreading germs to one another. 

Germ Fighters

Arm yourself and your family with antibacterial hand gels.  These products provide a good barrier against bacteria on your hands without the need to wash them.  Use drugstore cleanser wipes to wipe down surfaces before you touch them.  Give a quick wipe to the parts of the car that you touch most often, such as the steering wheel and the car seat.

Avoid touching areas that many people have already touched.  Door handles are notorious places for germs to hang out and can harbor bacteria for long periods of time.  Try not to use public restrooms, but if you must, use seat covers and don’t place your handbag on the floor.