Wash your pens: the dirtiest household items are named
The pandemic has taught Russians to strictly comply with personal hygiene requirements. But the further life in self-isolation recedes in memory, the more careless people become in these matters. Izvestia, along with experts, remind you which items are considered the main breeding grounds of infection, how often you need to wash your hands, and whether you should put your mobile phone on a tray with food.
The dirtiest things
Many seemingly familiar things can pose a health risk if you do not follow hygiene rules. This list includes gadgets, switches, door handles, bills and cards, recalls Olga Chistik, a therapist at the Scandinavian Health Center.
— Smartphones, tablets and other devices become a source of infections, especially if they are taken to the toilet or placed on contaminated surfaces. Home switches can also store a huge number of microorganisms on themselves, because they are not always washed during cleaning," the specialist comments.
Microorganisms are guaranteed to remain on door handles, as well as on money. The same danger is posed by remote controls from televisions and other devices, kitchen rags and sponges, gloves and watering cans, the expert emphasizes.
Alina Kirichenko, a therapist at the National Research Medical Center of the Russian Ministry of Health, adds that handrails in public transport, payment terminals, elevator and toilet buttons are among the most polluted items.
—Influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenoviruses, rotaviruses, noroviruses (pathogens of gastrointestinal infections), bacteria that cause pneumonia, staphylococcal and streptococcal infections can accumulate on all potentially dangerous surfaces," the doctor explains.
A person becomes infected when they touch their eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with a contaminated object. In people with weakened immune systems, these infections can be more severe and lead to complications, emphasizes Alina Kirichenko. The expression "absorbs like a sponge" applies not only to underwater fauna, but also in everyday life — dirt remains on kitchen sponges.
To protect yourself from potential harm, therapists advise against putting dirty objects on the kitchen table or surfaces where food is being prepared. If possible, disinfect clothes and hands immediately after contact, and do this regularly. If you need to clean the gadget, then do not forget about the hygiene of the case.
A special risk of spreading infections is the transfer of toys from one child to another, Alina Kirichenko believes. In addition to various viruses and infections (including intestinal ones), babies can become infected with parasites.
"Regular disinfection of toys with special antiseptic wipes or solutions is a necessary precaution," says the expert. First of all, it concerns what the child takes in his mouth.
When it comes to the dirtiest things in the wardrobe, doctors remind you to change your underwear daily and what comes into direct contact with the body (socks, T-shirts, T-shirts, etc.).
The therapist also points out that it is extremely unhygienic to place coat hangers in the immediate vicinity of eating areas, which is often found in cafes and restaurants.
— Outerwear often comes into contact with various surfaces, including contaminated ones, and can carry pathogenic microflora. The ideal option is a separate area for outerwear, remote from the dining area," the expert emphasizes.
What can you get infected with in the gym
Roman Konev, a top trainer at the Pride Fitness chain of fitness clubs, advises you to follow the rules that will help protect yourself and other gym visitors. Many people use common sports equipment, and contact with surfaces, especially in conditions of increased sweating, creates a favorable environment for the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Disinfection of exercise equipment is the basis of safety. Before and after using the equipment, they can be treated with antiseptic wipes, available in almost all fitness clubs," the source comments.
It is important to wear only personal sportswear, shoes and accessories (gloves, belts), the expert emphasizes. This is not so much a question of comfort as of hygiene.
— This solution avoids contact with other people's skin, reduces the risk of infection with fungal and other skin diseases. In addition, having your own suitable equipment increases the effectiveness of training and prevents injury, warns Roman Konev.
According to him, visiting showers and spa areas requires special attention to hygiene. Slates and a personal towel are the minimum set to help protect against the spread of fungal and other diseases transmitted through wet surfaces.
How long do viruses live?
The lifetime of viruses and bacteria on surfaces varies depending on the type of microorganism, temperature, humidity and other factors, notes Alina Kirichenko. For example, influenza viruses can remain on objects for several hours to several days.
The Staphylococcus bacterium can live for several weeks.
How to wash your hands
According to Olga Chistik, on average, you need to wash your hands from six to 10 times a day. Exceeding this indicator can lead to dry skin and eczema. Be sure to wash your hands after going to the toilet (both at home and in public places), as well as before eating and after contact with animals — not only outdoor, but also domestic. This should also be done after cleaning, even if it was carried out with gloves.
Before washing your hands, the therapist advises you to remove all jewelry: rings, bracelets, watches.
— This will prevent the appearance of various microorganisms under the decorations. On average, it takes about 20 seconds to wash your hands, paying attention to the palms, backs of your hands, fingers and the space between them, as well as the areas around the nails," explains the specialist.
It is better to wipe your hands with paper towels — they are much more hygienic than cloth ones. Shared towels should be washed more often.
Alcohol wipes or antiseptics can be an alternative to hand washing.
— However, this measure is not always effective, it is rather an additional way to maintain hygiene. It's still better to try to wash your hands with soap," Olga Chistik sums up.
Many women do not wash their hands after going to the bathroom, believing that water harms the smoothness of the skin. This approach is completely wrong, says therapist Alina Kirichenko.
— Hand contamination after the toilet is one of the main causes of the spread of intestinal infections. Hygiene should be a priority, and regular hand washing with soap is the basis for the prevention of many diseases. There are special moisturizers for hands that help not to over—dry the skin," the expert concludes.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
