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SHARE YOUR HOME, NOT YOUR COLD

When you’re sick, sharing a living space can be tricky, whether it’s with roommates, a spouse or kids. From the kitchen to the bathroom, there are many things to consider so you avoid spreading germs and possibly getting others sick.

Learn these easy tips that you can use next time you get sick.

All Doorknobs & Surfaces:

Regularly use sanitizing wipes on all doorknobs and surfaces to keep commonly touched places germ free.1

Bathroom

*Tip: If you have an extra bathroom, reserve it for the sick individual in your home

Toilet Seat:

Put the lid down prior to flushing because water sprayed in the air can spread germs.3
 

Sink:

Wash your hands after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing so you don’t infect the things you touch.2

Toothbrush Holder:

The turnaround time for an airplane can sometimes be quick between flights. That means little time for a sufficiently sterilized cleaning.

Towel Rack:

Airplanes have more seats packed in than ever. *Passenger numbers have grown nearly 9% per year since 1960.4 Close quarters means an increased chance of catching germs from another passenger nearby.

Kitchen

Refrigerator:

Open and close the door by grabbing the dish towel. Wash it periodically with your laundry.3

Sink:

Don’t let dirty dishes build up in the sink since germs can stick to them.1

Counter:

Be mindful of coughing near food sitting out. Airborne germs can stick to it.3

Stove:

If you’re sick, try not to do any cooking for others until feeling better. You might contaminate the food.2

Living Room

*Tip: If you have a den, make that the “sick room”

Coffee Table:

Don’t leave dirty dishes or used tissues out since they can accidentally be touched.1

TV Remote:

Use hand sanitizer before holding the remote as others may handle it throughout the day.3

Couch:

To keep germs to yourself, use your own blanket to get comfy with and not one used by all in the house.

Bedroom

Basket:

Discard used tissues in a closed wastebasket so germs are kept under wraps.3

Bed:

If you share a bed, change your sheets as often as possible as they collect dead skin and sweat throughout the night. Pillowcases should also be changed every day.3

Humidifier:

A cool mist can help slow or prevent the spread of germs.5

SOURCES

  1. Adult health. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/hand-washing/art-20046253
  2. Common cold. (n.d.). Retrieved February 16, 2016, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605
  3. “Getting the Dirt on Germs” Ministry Health (2013) http://ministryhealth.org/HC/Home/Summer2013/germs.nws
  4. Stopping the Spread of Germs at Home, Work & School. (2015). Retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/stopgerms.htm
  5. Result Filters. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2016, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25917802
  6. Symptom Relief. (2015). Retrieved February 16, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/community/for-patients/symptom-relief.html

 

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