germs

10 Ways to Avoid Germs on Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Ashley Eneriz — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 08:00:10 +0000

Public transportation is unavoidable, especially if you're on vacation or have to travel for work often. What's also unavoidable is being exposed to the millions of germs from the thousands of passengers that use the same forms of transportation daily. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself. (See also: How Being Healthy Saves You Money)

1. Always travel with hand sanitizer

Plane tap water can be full of contaminants, so washing with soap and water on board doesn't guarantee germ-free hands. Travel with a small hand sanitizer and sanitize your hands after using the restroom and as soon as you leave the transportation vehicle. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose until you have left the plane or train and washed your hands properly.

2. Be careful what you drink

Speaking of contaminated tap water on public transportation, avoid ordering tea or coffee, since these beverages are made with tap water. Avoid ice, too. Instead, ask for water out of a water bottle. (See also: 7 Ways to Avoid Getting Seriously Sick on Vacation)

3. Pack antibacterial wipes

A small pack of antibacterial wipes can also help minimize your exposure to germs on public transportation. Wipe down trays, arm rests, and other parts of the seat area you will touch during a flight or train ride. Use a tissue or wipe to open doors or hang on to poles instead of using your bare hands. In a rental car, wipe down handles, steering wheels, and seats weekly.

4. Avoid small talk

While it might seem rude not to strike up small talk with your seatmate, by keeping to yourself, you will guard yourself against germs that can be passed in cramped spaces. Even talking for a few minutes with someone who is ill can expose you to their germs. (See also: 7 Everyday Situations That Introverts Ace)

5. Practice healthy habits before you travel

The best way to avoid germs while traveling is to make your health a priority before your trip and really safeguard your immune system. Get plenty of rest, eat nutritional meals, stay hydrated, and up your vitamin C intake before leaving. (See also: Eat These 6 Foods to Stay Healthy While Traveling)

6. Pick the least crowded transportation option

If you can choose your seat on a plane or train, find one that is away from other people, if possible. This can mean sitting in unoccupied back rows or picking a plane seat where someone does not occupy the middle section. You'll avoid germs and small talk, all at once. Score!

7. Go with a window seat

A 2018 study conducted by The FlyHealthy Research Team and the University of Florida found that people who were in window seats on planes had less contact with other passengers than the middle seat and aisle seat, and as a result, were less exposed to germs. So if you can get into a window seat, it might just improve your health. (See also: How to Score an Empty Seat Next to You on Your Next Flight)

8. Get fresh air

In a car or on a train, open up a window to get fresh air, if possible. Closed cabin air spreads germs throughout the area, so even if you're just taking a road-trip with your family, be sure to crack the windows often.

9. Keep your nose lubricated

One of the reasons flight passengers get sick is because of the low air humidity, which dries out nasal passages and makes our bodies less effective in germ prevention. Travel with nasal spray to help prevent this problem.

10. Travel with a water purifier

Devices like a UV Water Purifier use UV light to kill bacteria and viruses in water. So even if you don't have already filtered water, or even tap water, you can use a tool like this to gather water from practically any source and stay hydrated without worrying about the water quality.

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This article is from Ashley Eneriz of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Do You Know How Dirty Your Money Is?

Paul Michael — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 11:00:13 +0000

Cash. We need it to live. But have you ever stopped to think of what it is you're touching when you hold a $20 bill, or a handful of nickels and dimes? Unless they're crisp bills straight from the mint, or freshly unwrapped quarters, the chances are, they've changed hands many, many times. Let's break it down, and discover the filthy truth of what might be lurking on the money in your wallet.

The Lifespan of Bank Notes and Coins

Coins are built to last. Right now you can find coins for sale that date back to the age of Julius Caesar. The average lifespan of a coin is around 30 years, but some can still be in circulation after 50 years or more. They change hands thousands of times, and never get cleaned.

Conversely, "paper" money is nowhere near as hardy, but as it's made up of 25% linen and 75% cotton, it's not really paper at all. It's cloth. This makes it resistant to folds (the average bill can be folded back and forth over 4,000 times before tearing), with a humble dollar bill lasting almost five years. However, because the material is also absorbent, it has the chance to pick up a multitude of germs and bacteria.

What's on Your Money?

The Dirty Money Project, in New York, has been studying our money for years. Their findings are not for the faint of heart. Each dollar bill carries roughly 3,000 types of bacteria on its surface. Common microbes found include the ones that cause acne and other skin problems. Anthrax was also detected, but fear not, it was not the weaponized variety.

The Southern Medical Journal also did one of many studies conducted on the state of our one-dollar bills. A staggering 94% of the bills they tested contained pathogenic, or potentially pathogenic, organisms. In other words, almost every one-dollar bill you touch contains a bacterium, virus, or microorganism that causes disease. Now, what kind of disease you come into contact with is a matter of blind luck.

Furthermore, the very dangerous bacteria MRSA (which can lead to the flesh-eating disease necrotizing fasciitis) was discovered on 80% of the dollar bills studied in a test by St. Petersburg College professor Shannon McQuaig.

Specifically, What Germs Are on Bank Notes?

Of the many studies done, several of which have been cited in this article, the following dangerous microorganisms were found:

Streptococcus

This isn't too much of a concern. Should you contract this, you will most likely get a sore throat, although it can cause skin infections, urinary tract infections, and even pneumonia.

E. coli

You know this one well, especially after the spread of it last year at several Chipotle locations. Although many types of it are harmless, some can be deadly. E. coli has led to anemia and kidney failure, which can lead to death. Most people who get ill from it suffer stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Salmonella Enterica

A major cause of food poisoning, you will usually get this by eating contaminated food. However, anyone who handles raw food or fecal matter, and then handles money, can be responsible for spreading it.

Staphylococcus Aureus

This causes the staph infections you have probably heard about. Most commonly, this is a skin infection, but it can also lead to pneumonia, food poisoning, and blood poisoning.

MRSA

A type of staphylococcus aureus that is very dangerous, because it is resistant to antibiotics and other drugs in the methicillin class.

Proteus

This is a bacterium found in the intestines of animals, and in the soil. It will most likely cause a urinary tract infection, which is easily treatable.

Your Money Is Downright Disgusting

It's filthy. It's teaming with bacteria. It's infested with germs. And it really can make you sick. If you handle money on a regular basis, it's advisable to wash your hands regularly, and use hand sanitizers as often as you can. Don't lick your fingers to count money, as that can obviously have nasty results. You should also avoid touching money and then eating food with your hands, but as that is something that happens often (restaurants, bars, food carts, football games) you should carry a pocket hand sanitizer and apply that before you eat. Also, don't put money in your mouth, not even for a bet, and don't put your hands near your mouth after touching money.

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The High Cost of Catching a Cold or the Flu

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 10:30:27 +0000

Nobody wants to get a cold or the flu. It can be a miserable experience for you, your family, and your coworkers. Even worse, it can be a very costly affair, if you don't take preventive measures.

The Sickening Statistics

Each year, about 5%–20% of Americans contract the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 200,000 people are hospitalized and between 3,000–49,000 deaths are associated with the flu each year.

While a cold may not seem like a big deal at first, the treatment can be costly and it may just be a symptom of a flu that hasn't peaked yet. Along with a cold, the flu can also cause symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, body aches, and confusion. It can also just suck the fun out of life and make it difficult to work and function like normal.

The Cost of Treatment

The average person with health insurance will pay over $130 for flu treatment. The average person without insurance will pay more than $100 to see a physician and about $100 for prescription medication. Once you've made it to the doctor, you will also need to consider the cost of tests, medications, room fees, and physician services — which can quickly add up.

The Cost of Medicine

More than $10 billion is spent each year on hospitalizations and outpatient doctor visits related to the flu and about one-third of flu sufferers spend $250–$1,000 on treatment.

If the flu is caught and treated within the first 48 hours, you may be prescribed antiviral medication like Tamiflu or Relenza, which costs over $100 for the 10-day dose for patients without insurance. For insured patients, you can expect to spend around $20 for prescription medicine.

The Cost of Over-the-Counter Medications

The average person also spends about $10 on over-the-counter cough and flu medicine like Tylenol, DayQuil, and NyQuil. Tissues, Lozenges, Vicks, and cough drops are also essentials when you're sick. Of course, these costs will vary based on where you shop. There are also ways to save money on these medications, such as buying generics, avoiding duplicates, and looking for coupons or store circulars. (See also: 9 Frugal Ways to Treat the Common Cold)

Lost Earnings

The average person loses $92 of earnings each year thanks to sick days. However, in most cases, it takes three to seven days for a regular case of the flu to go away. You might still have a cough and fatigue for as long as three or four weeks, so you will need to consider this when calculating your potential lost wages, especially if you own your own business and don't get paid for taking sick days.

Treating Your Child

While treatment may be expensive for adults, it is usually even more drastic if your child contracts a cold or the flu. The CDC found that parents spend $300 to $4,000, and miss between 11–73 hours of work, to help their child recover from the flu. If your child is treated in an emergency room, you can expect to spend an average of $3,990 in medical costs. If you have insurance, it may cover some of these costs, but you still need to account for co-payments, over-the-counter medication, lost earnings, and travel costs.

Preventive Measures

The best way to fight a cold or the flu is to prevent a problem in the first place by taking advantage of simple preventative measures. Some popular preventive measures include:

Avoid contact with people who have the flu;
Wash your hands frequently;
Eat healthy foods;
Drink plenty of liquids;
Exercise daily;
Reduce stress and laugh more often;
Get an adequate amount of sleep each night;
Take a daily multivitamin;
Increase your vitamin C intake;
Take antiviral medications if you are exposed to the flu.

Annual flu vaccinations offer protection from the most likely influenza virus strains. The flu immunization can also help reduce the rate of respiratory illnesses and the number of doctor visits each year. However, it is not a guarantee that you won't get the flu.

Flu vaccines cost $35 per person, on average, which is covered by health insurance, as required by the Affordable Care Act. You can get the vaccine at a physician's office, senior center, free or low-cost clinics, or at certain drugstores. (See also: 7 Places to Get Vaccinated for Cheap or Free)

Many employers are also now offering free or reduced rate vaccinations onsite for their employees. When you consider that the average cost is over $130 for treatment (with insurance), it may be a good idea to take advantage of the vaccine as a precaution.

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Things in Your House You're Forgetting to Clean

Laurel Randolph — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 11:00:13 +0000

There's a good chance you're rolling your eyes right now. You have a hard enough time keeping your house clean as is without me telling you that you're forgetting to clean X-Y-Z. But these easily forgettable areas can be havens for germs and gunk. But the good news is that while all of the following nine areas are easy to forget, they're also easy to clean!

So the next time you're cleaning the house, take a few moments to wash, wipe down, or otherwise clean the following.

1. Under the Bed

Maybe it's a latent childhood fear of what lurks under our bed, but most people avoid this space of their house like the plague. Unfortunately, out-of-sight and out-of-mind doesn't mean this space is magically clean. It's a popular spot for dust and dust mites, and since you spend (hopefully) at least eight hours a day lying directly above it, this area deserves your attention. It's as simple as a good vacuum or sweep, and be sure to get the dust that collects around the bed posts.

2. Toothbrush Holder

For something that sits in our bathrooms and holds a brush that we put in our mouths at least twice a day, you'd think we'd clean toothbrush holders more. According to a 2011 study by NSF International, it's one of the germiest spots in the entire house. Keep your toothbrush holder clean with the help of antibacterial mouthwash — it's not just good for keeping your mouth clean!

3. Pillows

I don't mean to alarm you, but when was the last time you washed your pillows? If you're like many people, it's been a while, and pillows are a great hiding place for dust mites and general sleep filth. Every six months, give your pillows a good hot water wash in the washing machine and dry on low heat. Be sure to check the care instructions, and don't wash foam pillows.

4. Refrigerator

The fridge is something that often gets put on spring cleaning lists, and just moves from one to-do list to the next. It's also a job that always seems worse than it is, and is totally worth doing on a semi-regular basis. If you can keep your fridge tidy, you'll keep away gross germs, rotting food, mold, and generally make your life easier. Even a big fridge overhaul can be done in under 30 minutes, so no excuses! Just be sure to clean the coils in the back from time to time, since dusty build-up will make the appliance work harder, and drives up your energy bill.

5. Doorknobs

It makes sense when you think about it: hands are great carriers of germs, and you open doorknobs with your hands. At the same time, they are often overlooked when it's time to clean. Even though brass and copper doorknobs have natural antibacterial properties, they can still get coated with the oil from your hands, which can trap more bacteria and dirt. Give all of the knobs in your house a regular wipe-down with vinegar, and focus on the doors that get the most use, like the front, back, and bathroom doorknobs.

6. Light Switches

The same dirty hand principle applies to light switches, which are in no way anti-bacterial. They are frequently handled by clean and dirty hands alike, and are a fun place for bacteria to hang out. Every time you clean, give them a wipe with a cloth moistened with vinegar or antibacterial cleaner to keep germs from spreading.

7. House Plants

When plants grow outside, they get rained on and dusted by the wind regularly, keeping them clean. When green things live in your home and only get watered at the base, they tend to get dusty and dirty. In addition to this being unsightly and just kind of gross, it also impedes their ability to absorb sunlight and can encourage pests. Every couple of months or so, give your plants a cleaning, either with a damp sponge or with a full-blown shower. Mist them regularly to keep them perky and tidy. Before cleaning, be sure to consider what kind of plant you're dealing with so that you don't overwork or over-water.

8. Under Rugs

Even though that bit of floor is covered up with a piece of carpeting or rug, that doesn't mean that it's perfectly clean. Dirt and dust often gather at the edges, corners, and just underneath rugs. Keep your rugs and floors in good condition and keep your home clean by pulling up the rug when you clean from time to time. Don't forget to clean your rugs once or twice a year, too!

9. Handheld Electronics

We tend to use electronic devices without regard to how clean our hands are, and with touch screens things get extra grimy (and if you have kids, it's even worse). Keep your devices clean without damaging them by wiping them down with a solution of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol. The alcohol is fast evaporating, so it keeps anything important from getting wet.

What things in your home do you sometimes forget to clean?

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This article is from Laurel Randolph of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 10 Dirtiest, Germiest, Grossest Things You Live With Everyday

Nick Wharton — Wed, 13 Aug 2014 11:00:20 +0000

Germs are all around us. In fact, the human body is made up of 100 trillion of them. That's right, you are literally one big walking germ.

For the most part, none of this is need for concern. A healthy adult immune system is equipped with the tools it needs to coexist with the majority of the germs we encounter in daily life. But, yes, there are some germs that have the power to make us sick, and those are the ones worth spending a little time and effort to rid from our lives.

Read on for our round-up of some of the germiest things we keep and fool-proof ways to disinfect them.

1. Bed Pillows

The place you rest your head at night could very well be teeming with germs. Mold, bacteria, and dust mites that feed on human skin flakes (but don't bite humans) are known to lurk inside our bed pillows. The older the pillow, the more likely you are to be sleeping on a microscopic zoo.

Experts suggest we replace our pillows every 18 months to two years — and not just recycle them to the guest room. That can be expensive, but it's a sure-fire way to rid yourself of the creepy-crawly germs that invade our pillows over time. Another solution is covering your pillows with quality, anti-allergen dust covers. These covers can be a bit crunchy to sleep on, but they do their share to ward off microorganisms that can make us sick and sneezy.

2. The Kitchen Sponge

The sponges we use to clean our plates are 200,000 times dirtier than the toilet seat. In fact, experts say there are 10 million bacteria — including E. coli and other triggers of foodborne illness — festering in every square inch of that kitchen sponge you used to scrub down your coffee mug this morning. Not only can these germs make us sick, they can actually cause paralysis. That's right: A leading researcher on the subject has identified a rare bacteria known to live on sponges that can cause loss of movement.

Luckily, most of us already own the world's greatest sponge disinfectant: the microwave. Microwaving kitchen sponges at full power for one to two minutes has been proven to kill more than 99% of bacteria. Experts also recommend replacing your sponges weekly. And never, ever use a sponge to wipe down a clean plate.

3. Reusable Shopping Bags

Have you ever washed that canvas tote? Studies show only 3% of grocery shoppers have. That's a dreadfully low percentage that perpetuates the 76 million foodborne illness cases that plague Americans every year. Half of all reusable bags are contaminated with coliform bacteria, likely from under-cooked meats, and about 12% have traces of E.coli, according to research.

Experts say to treat these bags like soiled laundry: Wash 'em with piping hot water and detergent once a week. And remember to use separate, designated bags for produce and meats to cut down on cross-contamination.

4. The Litterbox

Your cat can make you crazy. No, really. There's a parasite cats excrete in their feces that, when transferred to humans, can cause flu-like symptoms at best and dementia at worst. Humans are at risk not only by coming into contact with litter boxes, but also by eating unwashed vegetables or undercooked meat.

Experts say you can prevent yourself from contracting this parasite, called Toxoplasmosis, by changing your cat's litter box daily (the parasite becomes infectious one to five days after excretion). You can also reduce your risk of infection by thoroughly washing or peeling fruits and vegetables before eating them and only consuming meats that have been cooked at safe temperatures.

5. Smartphones

Your smartphone can give you real-time news alerts, access to far-away friends, stock market updates — and the flu, pinkeye, and diarrhea. In a study by the Wall Street Journal, eight phones in a Chicago office building were randomly selected and tested for bacteria. All of them were found to be crawling with between 2,700 and 4,200 units of coliform, the bacteria found in feces. Now for a little perspective. In drinking water, the limit is less than 1 unit of coliform per 100 milliliters of water. Remember that the next time you put your phone up to your mouth.

Experts recommend wiping down your mobile device with a moist microfiber cloth daily. But that alone won't cut it. Neither will glass cleaner. The best agent to clean your phone with is isopropyl alcohol, which wipes out nearly 100% of all bacteria as well as greasy finger marks. It's important to first dilute the alcohol with water to prevent damage to sensitive electronics.

6. Keyboards

The keyboard is a hotbed for germs. So is the mouse and the entire desktop surface where you conduct your computer work. Research shows that 32% of computer equipment is crawling with bacteria that causes disease. Women are even more likely than men to have a keyboard that can make them sick.

Experts recommend hand-washing before and after computer use, especially when using a shared computer. On occasion it's recommended that you clean the keyboard itself by following these steps: Shutdown the computer, turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake out any debris stuck between the keys, moisten a Q-tip with isopropyl alcohol and swipe it between the keys; moisten a cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe down the rest of the keyboard.

7. Your Toothbrush

There are millions of germs in your mouth. Most are harmless, but some have the potential to make us sick, particularly if they've been left to fester on the bristles of our toothbrush.

Experts say you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. But there are also things you can do to prevent bacteria buildup on your current toothbrush. Before brushing, some experts recommend gargling with antibacterial mouthwash. After you brush, the American Dental Association recommends thoroughly rinsing your toothbrush to remove leftover paste and food bits. You should then store it in the upright position so the bristles can air dry until the next usage.

8. The Toilet Flusher

Your toilet flusher is crawling with bacteria. Think about it: It's the one thing you touch after you do your business and before you wash your hands. Not only that, but experts say the way you're flushing is probably infecting everything from the bathroom counter to the sink. If you flush with the lid up, you're allowing polluted water particles to rise out of the toilet bowl and settle where they may. Some of them will land on your toothbrush.

To prevent your bathroom from becoming a cesspool, experts recommend flushing with the lid down. Store your toothbrush and water cup in the medicine cabinet, just in case somebody doesn't get the memo.

9. Door Knobs

The flu virus can live on your door knob for up to two days. Once transferred to your skin, the virus can live a couple more hours. And experts say that's enough to cause infection. Most of us will touch our eyes, nose, or mouth 16 times over the course of the next hour.

You can cut down on the risk of door handle-borne illness by washing your hands regularly and avoiding the almost compulsory urge to touch your face.

10. The Steering Wheel

Most people clean the house regularly, but how about the inside of the car? Studies show that the steering wheel is coated in thousands of bacteria, making it nearly nine times more germy than a public toilet seat. Yet only a third of car owners ever bother to disinfect it.

Experts recommend wiping down your car's interior with a disinfectant every few months. And don't forget the trunk. Research shows that the trunk is the germiest part of the car, so you would be wise to give it a good vacuum every so often.

Any germy, gross things we've missed? Please share (ick!) in comments!

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Dirty Little Secrets: Shocking Germ Hotspots You Touch Every Day

Kentin Waits — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 10:36:52 +0000

As much as it may creep us out, germs surround us every day, nearly everywhere, with some multiplying millions of times in just hours. Fortunately, though, many strains of bacteria are helpful to humans (or at least pose no serious threat to most of us). But there are others that can make us very ill. Don't take chances with your family's health; learn to defend yourself by knowing these ten germ hot spots. (See also: Green Cleaners Already in Your Home)

In Your Home

Home is where the heart is, and home is also where you'll find plenty of germs.

The Bathroom

Bacteria can become airborne when flushing a toilet with the lid up, only to settle on other surfaces in your bathroom. To cut down on airborne bacteria from the toilet, get in the habit of closing the lid when flushing.

Certain types of shower curtains can be major germ spreaders, too. Methylobacterium, a class of bacteria that cause infections, hang out and multiply in the soap scum that accumulates on vinyl shower curtains. These germs are launched into the air from the power of the shower spray. To combat these germy paratroopers, replace your vinyl shower curtain with the washable woven nylon variety. (See also: Alternative Uses for Things in Your Bathroom)

Kitchen Faucet

An often overlooked part of your kitchen is the little aerator at tip of your kitchen faucet. Since it stays wet and can be accidently bumped by food particles when you cook or clean, it's a perfect place for bacteria to grow and hide. Eliminate germs here by unscrewing the aerator, soaking it in a solution of bleach and water, then rinse and replace. (See also: 9 Ways to Use Bleach)

Bedding

Dust mites live in our bedding and feed on the skin cells we leave behind. In turn, dust mites' fecal matter and dead bodies pollute our indoor air supply and aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma. Buy dust mite covers for your mattress, pillows, and duvets to keep them from settling in and accumulating. Also, since dust mites thrive in humidity, you can use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity level in your home. (One novel solution is to skip making your bed — a made bed traps moisture more readily than an unmade one.)

Washing Machine

Ironically, your washing machine is a like an endless merry-go-round for germs. Since washing at cooler temperatures will not kill germs, turn up the heat or add bleach as appropriate. And because bacteria love dark damp places, don't let wet laundry sit around; begin the drying cycle as soon as possible. If you use a laundromat, reduce bacteria by cleaning the wash tub with a disinfecting wipe before starting your laundry. (See also: Best Washing Machines)

Vacuum Cleaner

Because your vacuum sucks up all kinds of dirt, skin cells, and food particles, it's the perfect hangout for bacteria and dust mites. Avoid changing your vacuum bag or emptying the collection bin indoors, where bacteria can become airborne in a cloud of dust. Instead, change the bag regularly outdoors and wash collection bin of your bagless vacuum with a bleach and water mix.

In Restaurants

I'm not talking about pathogens in the food or as a result of unsafe food handling practices (although that happens far more often than we'd like).

Seats

A study conducted by the New York University Microbiology Department showed that the dirtiest item in restaurants may be the chairs you're sitting on. Seventy percent of seats tested held some form of bacteria — some carried 17 different varieties, including E. coli. To help avoid infection, customers should avoid direct skin-to-seat contact and wash hands thoroughly before eating. (See also: Restaurant Dishes You Can Make at Home)

Menus

The same article found menus to be the second most germ-ridden part of restaurants. Menus are handled often and seldom disinfected, and they can harbor and transfer bacteria for up to 24 hours. Again, reduce your risk by washing your hands after placing your order and don't let menus touch your plate, food, or utensils.

Lemon Wedges

They might add a little zest to your water or iced-tea, but at restaurants, those lemon wedges are likely swarming with bacteria. According to FoodSentry.org, a food safety site, some studies indicate that nearly 70 percent of restaurant lemon wedges may be harboring pathogenic microbes. The next time you dine out, sour on this garnish and reduce your exposure to germs. (See also: Alternative Uses for Lemons)

On Your Personal Effects

Some of the stuff you use and carry every day is is positively squirming with microscopic baddies.

Your Cell Phone

You touch it constantly. It stays warm against your face, tucked in your pocket, or sheathed in a protective case. Your cell phone is an absolute spa for bacteria, and it's teeming with life. Protect yourself from a germ onslaught by investing in an antibacterial screen protector for your phone or cleaning your phone frequently with anti-bacterial wipes.

Purses and Handbags

It should come as no surprise that purses are dirtier than the average toilet. After all, how often do we set our purses on the floor? Where do we put them when it's time for a restroom break? Help keep your purse clean with antibacterial wipe-downs and stow it on your lap instead of letting it touch the floor.

This list is hardly exhaustive because germ hotspots are all around us. As a general rule, germs flourish in places that have frequent contact with lots of people (think door and refrigerator handles, light switches, railings, cash and coins, etc.). We could avoid germs if we could keep all those surfaces sanitized, but a more realistic approach is to reduce our risk by adopting simple prevention and germ-fighting strategies like the ones discussed above. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the simplest germ-fighting tactic that'll work no matter what hotspot you encounter: regular hand-washing.

What do you do to defend yourself around germ hotspots?

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This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Travel This Holiday Season Without Getting Sick

Darcie Connell — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 10:31:19 +0000

My husband calls me "iron guts."

Not because I have six pack abs (sigh), but because I traveled through India for three months and didn't get sick. No Delhi belly. No cold. No flu. Nothing but a clean bill of health.

How do I travel without getting sick? It's simple. I take care of myself and follow a few tricks — the same tricks that you can (and should) follow this holiday season when you travel. (See also: Top Travel Reward Credit Cards)

Drink Water

Staying hydrated is important to your overall health. If you're flying, bring a water bottle with you to the airport. You can drink it during check in, carry the empty bottle through security, and fill it up before the flight. Plus, a lot of airports now have water filtration systems. (See also: Ultimate Guide to Flying During the Holidays)

Clip Your Nails

Long fingernails are a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. And what's worse… many people bite their nails when they're stressed under the pressure of the holidays and traveling. So keep those nails short, and keep your health.

Blow Your Nose

Even if you don't have a runny nose, be sure to blow your nose throughout the day to clear any airborne germs. A good way to remember is to blow your nose after every meal or snack. And pocket-sized tissue packets are great for long travel days.

Sanitize

Highly used surfaces can easily collect germs and bacteria. Carry a travel-sized hand sanitizer and wipes with you to clean your hands regularly and surface areas (armrests, door handles, etc.). Don't forget to periodically wipe down your phone, keyboard, and other handheld devices.

Wash Your Hands

Frequently wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. A trick is to list the ABCs or sing your favorite holiday carol while you wash.

Take Vitamins

Vitamins travel well and can help fight colds and flus and boost your immune system. According to WebMD, you should consider the following supplements: Vitamin C, Echinacea, Zinc, Elderberry, Garlic, Ginseng, and Andrographis.

Eat Well

With endless sweet treats and food, it's easy to let yourself go during the holidays. Try to squeeze in some veggies and healthier items into your diet.

Use Disposable Items

Try to use disposable products for any items that touch your mouth or hands multiple times. For example, instead of using a coffee mug, use a recyclable disposable cup. (See also: When You Should Buy Disposable)

Skip the Airline Blankets and Pillows

It's been rumored (again) that airlines don't wash pillows and blankets after every flight. Bring your own or skip using these items to avoid unnecessary contact with germs.

Don't Touch Your Face

While this tip might seem obvious, it can be challenging for people during travel. Keep your fingers away from your mouth and eyes. If you do need to touch your face, wash your hands thoroughly beforehand.

Avoid Alcohol

Holiday travel is stressful and many people chose to drink to help deal with the stress. Be forewarned that alcohol can dehydrate you and weaken your immune system.

Dress in Layers and Stay Warm

Airplanes are notorious for having extreme changes in temperature. One minute, it's 90 degrees. Then fast forward thirty minutes and it's freezing. Dress in layers and have a warm top layer readily accessible on the plane. (See also: 6 Things That'll Keep You Sane on a Plane)

Wear a Scarf

I always wear a scarf when traveling. Not only do they keep you warm, they can be used to cover questionable surfaces, block the light to help you sleep, cover your hands when opening dirty door handles, and the list goes on.

Listen to Your Body

If you feel a cold or flu coming on, get plenty of rest, take your vitamins, and eat well. Pack a few cough drops and cold/flu medicine gel capsules for emergency situations. If you do get sick, you won't have the added stress of finding and going to a pharmacy. (See also: Frugal Ways to Treat a Cold)

So take care of yourself this holiday season and follow these simple tricks.

What tips do you have for maintaining your health when you travel? Leave a comment below.

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This article is from Darcie Connell of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

4 High-Tech Weapons for the War Against Germs

Linsey Knerl — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:52:46 +0000

Eww! It’s germ season, and as kids go back to school and adults head into work, all kinds of illnesses are being introduced into the air around us. Here is a quick rundown of what technology can offer in today’s “germ warfare” in a preview of the full list on My Life Scoop.

UV-C Light

This super-popular technology can kill more than 99% of many common types of germs, bacteria, mold and allergen, sans chemicals, of course. The “UV-C” represents the same UV light that gets filtered by our Earth’s atmosphere, with the “c” portion referring to the particular germ-fighting frequency of that light. Where can you find this type of germ-stopping tool? One option is in your vacuum. Since so many creepy crawly things live where you walk and play, it’s no wonder that companies like Oreck have decided to incorporate UV-C into their new Halo vacuums. With sobering statistics on just how many germs can live in a square inch of carpet (4x as many as a typical toilet seat, for example*), it’s no wonder many people are willing to upgrade their standard vacuum to include the same technology that’s used to disinfect drinking water and sterilize operating rooms.

But what about those places you go where stashing a vacuum isn’t practical? The Germ Guardian Mini Wand is a sanitizer that you can stash into a backpack or a drawer in your office. It uses the same UV technology mentioned before, and cleans computer equipment, cell phones, toys, countertops, sinks, showers and toilets just by passing the light over the surface. It can keep odors and allergens at bay, as well!

Pros: Clean, affordable, and versatile. It uses no chemicals and is safe for all surfaces.

Cons: Prolonged exposure to eyes can cause irritation.

Microban

One of the best ways to keep germs under control is to prevent them from sticking around in the first place. As you venture out into your local store, you may see shopping carts with the “microban” sign. This new kind of plastic is made from antimicrobrial components that protect products from bacteria, mold and in some cases algae that can cause stains, odors and product deterioration. It is easier to keep your products clean if they contain Microban (and as such, can be easier to disinfect!)

Pros: Microban is a passive system. Once you buy something with Microban in it, there is nothing you need to do!

Cons: It is not designed to kill germs on contact. It simply inhibits the growth of microbes within and on the surface of the product.

With all the new advances in germ-fighting, it’s safe to say that we have a better chance than ever to overcome the difficulties of keeping things clean. What are your favorite methods of kicking common bugs to the curb? Let us know at the full My Life Scoop article!

This article is from Linsey Knerl of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Are we too clean for our own good?

Andrea Karim — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:27:20 +0000

A friend of mine has three daughters, all under 6 years old. Recently, she was at the supermarket with her youngest. Her daughter dropped her pacifier on the ground. My friend picked it up, wiped it on her shirt, and handed it back to her daughter.

An elderly gentleman approached her a few seconds later. Chuckling, he patted her child on the head. "This must not be your first kid, then," he said with a grin,

"Why do you say that?," my friend asked nervously.

"Well, with the first child, if they drop their binkie, you'd be more likely to boil it before letting your baby touch it again. By the time you get to your second, you get over it."

My friend smiled. "Yeah, that pretty much sums it up."

There are probably a few of you reading this who think my friend is a horrible mother. I can assure you that she is not. Yes, supermarket floors are dirty. Yes, her daughter was probably exposed to germs. But according to many scientists, germs may be exactly what we need more of.

Building up a healthy immune system is one of the most important things that we can do for our health. It's the reason that people try to make sure that their children get chicken pox at a young age; they hope to inoculate their babies against the disease, which is much more serious if experienced at an advanced age. Taking your kid to a Pox Party is like a cheap vaccination. Viruses are serious things, and we believe in inoculating our kids against them, for the most part.

However, we don't feel the same way about bacteria and other bugs. In fact, we do our utmost to avoid contact with bacteria, and when we do experience it, we zap the hell out of it with antibiotics and antibacterial ointments. The result? Our bodies don't know how to deal with bacterial infections, and the bacteria that we do come into contact with is getting stronger and stronger as we continually do our damndest to kill it off. Not only that, but when an immune system with too much free time on its hands comes into contact with innocuous but foreign substances (like cat dander), it over reacts, causing us to suffer from allergies.

You've probably heard that certain conditions that seem endemic to Americans, such as hayfever, asthma, and food allergies, are not as common in the developing world. People infected with hookworm, for instance, have fewer asthma attacks and allergies (the hookworms trigger and immune system response, it is thought, that causes the body to concentrate on the worms, rather than triggering wheezing asthma attacks). By the way, do not Google "hookworm" unless you want to spend the rest of the day fighting the heebie jeebies.

The point is, exposure to other germs, especially those found in soil, are beneficial in preventing all kinds of autoimmune diseases. With that in mind, consider letting go of your germ phobic ways. You'll save some money on the plethora of cleaning supplies that promise to nuke every single bacterium within a hundred-mile radius, and just may find that your kids grow up healthier.

There's certainly nothing wrong with washing your hands, but skip the anti-bacterial soaps. Also, hand sanitizer is good in a bind, but if you apply it several times a day (and don't work in a hospital), you might have bigger issues than germs.
Nobody wants salmonella poisoning, but using the appropriate tools when preparing raw chicken (plastic or glass cutting boards that can be run through the dish washer) and cleaning the kitchen with normal soap and water afterwards can do the trick - no need to break out the Clorox wipes.
Slate.com believes that Americans should eat sh*t and NOT die. Provocative, but also, ew. They also mention the importance of breast feeding as a method for transferring antibodies from mother to child, even though most mothers today also lack crucial antibodies, having also been raised in sterile environments.
Let your kids get dirty. They will survive. I suppose it's possible, but it's fairly uncommon to hear of children who have been hospitalized because they accidentally ingested a little dirt.
Ladies, your ladybits are self-cleaning, like an expensive oven! Unless it has been recommended by your gynecologist, do not feel the need to rinse them out from the inside (click here to see a really odd add for Lysol ladybit cleaner). Remember, douchebag is a better insult than it is an invention. Too much rinsing will actually CAUSE infections.

This article is from Andrea Karim of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Germ Killin' Machine

Andrea Karim — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:33:11 +0000

Guarding against germs doesn't have to be a chemical-filled experience. To get rid of germs in your kitchen sponge (and there ARE germs in you kitchen sponge), do the following:

Soak the sponge with water (this is key - not doing so poses a significant fire risk).
Place the sponge on a microwave-safe plate.
Stick it in the microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes.
Don't even TRY to pick it up with your fingers. Use a pair of tongs to remove it from the microwave and leave it to cool or soak it in cold water before using.

*Make sure the sponge doesn't contain metal, even though lots of modern microwaves don't mind metal.*

If nuking the sponge kind of creeps you out or creates so nasty smells (if it does, stop the heating immediately), try boiling it in a little clean water instead. I don't keep a sponge for more than three weeks anyway, but I boil it at least twice a week to kill germs.

AND I use a different sponge for my dogs' dishes.

(Photo by dalasie)

This article is from Andrea Karim of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: