Truth is, there is no way to completely avoid getting sick.  Germs and bacteria that make you sick are everywhere…on every surface and in the air.   In my many years of working with kids, from the infant years all the way up to 21, I’ve had to attend a great deal of classes on general health and wellness.  I’ve worked in daycares, preschools and group homes and these classes weren’t for those who had weak stomachs.  They didn’t do the sugar coat song and dance about washing hands and using a tissue when we sneeze.  The people who conducted these classes went to public places and homes to get samples of the bacteria and germs that are on everyday surfaces.  The results were mind blowing.  Most of us lost our appetite by the time lunch hit.

Stop what you’re doing now and look at your hands.  They look clean, right?  Well, you’d be surprised to know that your hands probably have more germs and bacteria on them than a toilet seat.  How many things have you touched today?  A doorknob, money, your cell phone, steering wheel, computer keyboard, remote, the faucet in a public restroom, etc.  Did you know that your work station has 400 times more bacteria than the floor of a public restroom?  No, you don’t have to rush to the nearest restroom and wash your hands.  Grab some hand sanitizer and use it.  If you don’t have any nearby, get some.  It will kill 99.9% of the germs on your hands.

How many of you use sponges to do dishes or wipe the counters?  If you are one of those sponge addicts, be aware that every surface that has come in contact with that sponge is a bacteria infested minefield.  I’m not saying to give up the sponges that you faithfully use everyday.  I’m merely suggesting that you disinfect your sponge.  Toss in the dishwasher or, after wetting it, put it in the microwave for 2 minutes.  This will kill 99% of the bacteria.

Clorox and Lysol should be a staple in your home (and office).   Whether it’s the bottled spray cleaners or the convenient wipes, stock up!  Think of the last time you cleaned your house.  It looked wonderful when you were done and smelled fresh.  More than  likely there were at least a dozen areas in your home that were dirtier than a public restroom toilet (not sure why toilets always come up, but it gets the point across).  Don’t be alarmed.  80% of those that do housework forget about cleaning these surfaces.  If you’re worried about time, it only takes about 5 minutes to fix the problem.  Grab a Lysol or Clorox wipe (or dampen a cloth with either of the cleaners) and wipe anything that you, or your family, have frequent contact with.  This includes remote controls, phones (cell phones and landlines), all door knobs, faucets, computer keyboards, gaming equipment, banisters, etc.

Carry hand sanitizer in your purse, backpack or pocket and use it!   Some of the most bacteria and germ infested public areas and surfaces are restrooms (think of the door you have to touch to exit…how many people didn’t wash their hands upon leaving…), shopping cart handles, handling money, schools, fast food restaurant counters, the bottom of your purse (yes ladies, it’s true), the ATM, workplace desktops (don’t make me mention the toilet seat again), playgrounds, health clubs, etc.  There are hundreds more!  You can’t wipe off every surface you come in contact with out in public (a simple trip to the grocery store would take several days), but you can slather your hands with hand sanitizer.

With awareness and a little bit of effort, you can decrease your chances of getting the cold or flu as well as the severity.  Since taking all of those classes I will admit I’ve become slightly obsessive about sanitizing and disinfecting.  I still get sick usually twice a year and a few times I’m hit with symptoms.  However, that’s an improvement.  There was a time in my life where I was always getting sick with sinus infections, strep throat and bronchitis.  Now, I take precautions, I faithfully take vitamins everyday and if I feel like I’m getting sick, I hit up my supply of EmergenC.

With all that being said, stay healthy and stock up on vitamins, sanitizers, cleaners and more!