Best 7 Ways To Skip The Germs Trap—Let’s Stop Their Spread
Why should we protect ourselves from germs? According to PubMed, bacterial pathogens (germs) caused 7.7 million deaths worldwide in 2019 [1]. Therefore, it’s time to protect ourselves and our loved ones from these threats.
In this article, we will not only know about germs and their factors in-depth—but also the best 7 ways to skip the germs trap.
Germs: What Are They?
Before we go to ways to stop the spreading of germs, it’s important to understand what germs are. Germs, which are commonly known as microbes, are tiny living things that are found everywhere around us [2].
They live everywhere, such as in water, soil, and the air. Besides, as a home, the human body is also filled with millions of microbes. Don’t fear, because all microbes are not dangerous for humans [2].
While some of them are beneficial or necessary for our body health, others are harmful and make us ill [2].
Types of Germs
There are 5 major types of germs, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminths [3].
But the most common types are [2]:
1. Viruses: They are tiny non-living things. Yes, they are non-living which means they need a host cell to get into action [2].
In brief, they are genetic material (DNA or RNA) sealed in a protein shell. They can’t make copies of themselves, so they get into host cells and hijack their machinery to make copies, which often harms the cell [3].
Viruses are responsible for a huge range of illnesses, from common colds and flu to more serious diseases like measles, chickenpox, influenza, genital herpes, and even some emerging infectious diseases such as AIDS and SARS [3].
A strong immune system can fight against viruses, but a weak immune system can’t, and therefore we start to see the symptoms of viruses. [2]
Viruses are not treatable with medication. Prevention often involves a vaccination to train the immune system so that the body will be able to fight off viruses [2].
2. Bacteria: They are tiny organisms that exist only in single cells. One important thing to remember is that nearly all bacteria are not dangerous for humans [2].
A lot of them are even important for our health, like helping our bodies digest food and keeping our immune systems strong [2].
Some examples of these helpful bacteria are the lactic acid bacteria in the gut and the bacteria used to make yogurt, sauerkraut, and cheese [2].
According to research, less than 1% of bacteria cause disease. For example, tuberculosis is a disease that is caused by bacteria [2].
Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, but not viruses, which often cause similar symptoms like colds, tonsillitis, or diarrhea. Don’t take antibiotics unless you’re sure it’s a bacterial infection [2].
3. Fungi: Organisms like molds, yeasts, and mushrooms are fungi. Some fungi cause infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast infections [2].
Antifungal medications are used to treat fungal infections.
How Germs Spread: Pathways That We Can Stop
Yes, this is the most important part of this blog post. Before we talk about prevention, we need to thoroughly understand how germs enter our bodies. Let’s know.
Direct Contact: This is the most common way of germ transmission. Shaking hands, hugging, or touching someone who is sick [3].
Indirect Contact: Touching dirty objects such as doorknobs, electronic devices, faucet handles, or countertops can transfer germs to your hands. Then, these germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth [3].
Airborne Transmission: Sneezing, coughing, or even talking can release germs into the air [3].
Shared Items: Using the same utensils, towels, or office equipment can transfer germs easily [3].
Fecal-Oral Route: Poor handwashing after using the bathroom can spread germs to food, things, and other people [3].
Best 7 Ways to Stop the Germs from Spreading
Yes, now it’s time to know the ways through which we can prevent germs from reaching us. Let’s find out.
1. Handwashing: The First Line of Defense
Washing your hands is one of the most effective way to stop germs in their tracks. Keeping your hands clean also protects you from the spread of various diseases.
Let’s see how we can keep our hands clean. You can understand or learn very clearly and easily from the following steps in the below image.
When to Wash Your Hands:
According to the CDC, let’s learn when you should wash your hands [4]:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before and after eating
- After using the bathroom
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After changing a diaper
- After touching animals or animal waste
- After touching garbage
- Before touching face areas like eyes, nose, and mouth
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- Before and after taking care of a sick person at home who is vomiting or having diarrhea
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- Before and after treating a wound or cut
✨Tip: If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol [4].
2. Respiratory Hygiene
As we learned above, germs can also spread in the air through sneezing and coughing. That’s why it’s important to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough to stop the spread of germs. To stop them:
Use a tissue — Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using it throw the used tissue into the dustbin and then wash your hands.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow — If tissues aren’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
Evidence for why it is important to cover your mouth when you sneeze [3].
✨Tip: Remember to wear a mask in crowded or high-risk situations with threats of spreading germs, especially during flu season or if you’re feeling unwell.
3. Cleaning and Disinfecting the Environment
Germs can stay on objects for hours or even days. Keeping your environment clean is the best way to stop them from spreading. Focus on high-touch objects and make sure to regularly clean and disinfect, like:
- Doorknobs, light switches, and handles
- Phones, keyboards, and remote controls
- Kitchen counters and bathroom sinks
- Bedding, towels, and clothes, especially if someone in your home is sick
✨Tip: Not all cleaning products are equal. For best results, use EPA-approved cleaning products and follow the directions on the packaging.
4. Food Safety: Handling Food with Care
According to NIH, every year, around 76 million Americans—roughly one in every four—get infected by what they eat. Disease that can be transmitted through foodborne germs, also known as food poisoning [5]. There are some symptoms of food poisoning:
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Stomach cramps or pain.
- Fever or chills.
- Headache or muscle aches.
How to Prevent Foodborne Illnesses
To keep your food safe and free of germs, follow these food safety guidelines:
Wash Your Hands — Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling food. Also, wash your hands after touching raw meat, eggs, or unwashed foods [5].
Cook Properly — Cook the food at the right temperature. Use a food thermometer to make sure that your food is fully cooked so no bacteria remain. Ensure that meat, poultry, and seafood are getting safe internal temperatures [5]. For example:
- Poultry: 165°F (74°C).
- Ground meat: 160°F (71°C).
- Fish: 145°F (63°C).
Also, cook eggs until the yolks and whites are firm [5].
Keep Separate — It happens when raw meat, poultry, or seafood comes into contact with ready-to-eat fruits, vegetables, or cooked food. Raw food germs spread to other foods [5].
Using the same cutting board or utensils for both raw and cooked foods without cleaning them can spread the germs. It’s called cross-contamination. Avoid such things while handling the food [5].
Store Food Properly — Leftovers can be a lifesaver, but don’t let them become a danger for health! Bacteria love the room temperature, so refrigerate leftovers within 4 hours to slow down their growth [5].
To cool them down faster, divide large portions into smaller containers. Seal raw meat, poultry, and seafood in containers or plastic bags to prevent juices from dripping onto other refrigerated foods [5].
Clean Foods Properly — Always wash fruits and vegetables properly under running water to remove dirt and chemicals [5].
5. Vaccination: A Powerful Shield
Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases. Vaccination not only protects you, but it also helps boost your immune system (our strong shield against the germs).
✨Tip: We can also boost our immune system naturally by eating healthy food, getting good sleep, and exercising daily.
6. Teaching Kids About Germ Prevention
Some people, including children, old people, and those with weaker immune systems, have a higher vulnerability to infections.
Because their immune systems are still growing, children are more likely to get germs than adults. Teaching them proper hygiene from an early age is very important.
- Teach kids proper handwashing techniques
- Teach them to use tissues properly and avoid face-touching
- Teach them how to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow
- Teach kids to avoid putting toys or hands in their mouths
- Sick kids should stay home from school or daycare to avoid spreading germs
7. Travel Tips to Avoid Germs
When you are traveling or in public places, be extra careful to avoid getting germs. Such as:
- Carry masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning wipes with you.
- Clean high-touch areas like airplane trays and hotel remote controls.
- Frequently use hand sanitizer, especially when you touch public surfaces.
- After returning home, clean personal items like phones, wallets, and keys.
- If you’re sick or when the flu is spreading, wear a mask in public areas.
When You Need Medical Advice
No matter how hard you try, you might get sick sometimes. If you feel any change in your body, like fever, difficulty in breathing, or coughing, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will check you properly and treat you according to your condition.
Myths and Misconceptions About Germs
Let’s clear up some common myths:
Myth: Antibacterial soap is always better.
Fact: Regular soap is just as effective for most situations.
Myth: Cold weather causes illness.
Fact: Germs, not cold temperatures, make you sick.
Myth: Hand dryers spread germs.
Fact: Proper handwashing is key; dryers are generally safe.
The Bottom Line
Stopping the spread of germs isn’t just about staying healthy—it’s about protecting those around us, too. By following these simple, science-backed strategies, you can reduce your risk of getting sick and help create a healthier community…. : )
Spread the word (not the germs) by sharing this guide with your friends and family!
Resources:
2. In brief: What are microbes?
3. How Infections works – What You Need to Know About Infectious Disease
4. About Handwashing | Clean Hands | CDC
5. Disease Threats – What You Need to Know About Infectious Disease
