4 Ways to Stop the Spread of Germs

Other than handwashing, these are the most important steps you can take to stay germ-free this winter:

1. Hands off the face. This is a major way bacteria and viruses get into our bodies: You touch something infected, then rub your eyes or nose, or touch the skin around your mouth. In fact, research shows that we touch our faces an average of 16 times an hour, says Charles Gerba, MD, professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona.

2. Avoid shaking hands. Again, hands are a major way germs travel. So whenever possible, greet someone with a wave instead.

3. Carry sanitizer with you at all times. It’s just as effective as soap and water, and you never know when you’ll need it, says Dr. Gerba.

4. Store disinfectant wipes in your home and office. Wiping down surfaces like your desk and kitchen countertops daily will get rid of harmful bacteria.

Germ Free Remote bags can also help you stay healthy! Our eco-friendly disposable remote covers protect you from germs that other people may have left on the remote control in hotel rooms and hospitals. Visit our website for more information.

Things You Don't Want To Know

• Excrement contains a lot of disgusting bacteria—many of them still alive—and over 120 viruses, including hepatitis A. If the bacteria would just stay in the toilet, the world would be a lot different. But because most people's personal hygiene habits are so poor, E-coli has been found everywhere.
• According to Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist in Arizona who calls himself "the Sultan of Slime," the bathroom is cleaner then the kitchen in the average house. Not that you'll want to mix a salad in the toilet bowl. But he says you're safer making a sandwich on top of the toilet bowl than in the kitchen.
• The dirtiest spots in the kitchen are dishcloths, cutting boards, sponges, and sink handles. Surprisingly, the floor is often cleaner than the sink!
• Hotel rooms are another source of woe for fecal fanatics. One study, conducted in the early 1990s, found that a cheap hotel room had a lot more fecal bacteria in it than an expensive one. Perhaps a reflection of the cleaning; or the guests...
• One study found that 30 percent of all people didn't wash their hands after using a public bathroom—although 90 percent claimed they do. So do you really want to stick your hand in one of those bowls of mints at the exits of some restaurants? Did you ever wonder how many others who did that before you washed their hands before they left the bathroom?
• No one has tested these mints for fecal matter, but one story, perhaps apocryphal, is that someone ran an ultraviolet light over a bowl to test for urine—and found it.
• Other studies showed that half of all homes surveyed had fecal material in the washing machines, and underwear contained as much as ten grams of fecal matter. Washing didn't always help get rid of this, either, because most people do a load — a washing machine load, that is — along with other clothes, thereby spreading the fecal contamination around.
• In one study, diarrhea-inducing E.coli was found on 10 percent of coffee mugs.
• Between 7 and 42 percent of all paper money contained "revolting bacteria."
• One study found fecal matter on the screen of an automated bank machine (think of all the dirty fingers that touch those screens before you do).
• People who touch a pay phone and then touch their faces afterwards are dialing for trouble.

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Wyndam Hotels Fight the Spread of Germs

Wyndham Hotels is doing its part to fight flu and colds!
The chain teamed up with Bath & Body Works to give away free bottles of the retailer’s Deep Cleansing Hand Gel to arriving guests at 12 airport hotels.Calling it part of its “Be Well” philosophy, the hotel chain says it hopes the gesture can mitigate the risk of guests contracting flu or cold or spreading their own illnesses to others.The pocket-sized bottles are available in two fragrances—Warm Vanilla Sugar and Coconut Lime Verbana—or unscented. Guests also receive a coupon for a free antibacterial item of choice when they make a purchase of $10 or more at a Bath & Body Works story.Wyndham also features Bath & Body Works’ True Blu spa line of amenities in all its guestrooms.

Hotbed For Germs / Holiday Travel

Research has shown that germs such as the rhinovirus (the cold germ) can live on common household items (such as the tv remote, refrigerator door handle, doorknobs, and bathroom taps) for up to 2 days! These germs are also easily transmitted to people who use them. The lead researcher in the study, Dr. Birgit Winther, said that "Some people still spray the air with disinfectants, but rhinovirus doesn't fly through the air. I think the message from this research is that we need to focus more wisely on cleaning commonly touched surfaces in the home." Researchers are recommending that people boost their immune systems by frequently washing their hands and in general, maintaining their overall hygiene. The UK Hygiene Council is also suggesting that people regularly spray touches services with a high quality disinfectant spray that could kill viruses. Another good way to avoid these same kinds of germs is to use a Germ Free Remotes bag on television remotes. Many people travel during the holiday season and stay in hotels. Hotel television remotes are known to be hotbeds for germs, with the amount of people in and out of the rooms and with the short amount of time maids have to clean each room.

Swine Flu FAQs

Do you have questions about the H1N1 flu vaccine? Do you want to know if it is safe for someone with egg allergies? Were you already vaccinated for the 1976 swine influenze? The CDC website has a question and answer page on their website. Click here to check it out!

Myth And Fact About Germs

Myth: Antibacterial products keep germs at bay.

Fact: They can, but overuse has been linked to antibiotic-resistant superbugs, which is one reason the American Medical Association doesn't support their everyday use. Hand sanitizers are great when you can't get to a sink, but soap and water, the old-fashioned way of washing, is still the best method for killing bacteria. Wash your hands frequently and properly for at least 20 seconds at a time (or the time it takes you to sing "Happy Birthday") with soap and warm water.

So while antibacterial products can help keep germs at bay, they also help create antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Sounds scary! I don't know about you, but I like my bugs "mini," not "super!" Germ Free Remotes can help you avoid germs without using antibacterial products.

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Latest Swine Flu Statistics

It looks like this swine flu hoopla is not dying down anytime soon. To the left is a symptom chart- but please keep in mind these symptoms can also be attributed to many other illnesses. To see some swine flu statistics, including a breakdown of cases and deaths by state, click here. For common questions and answers, click here.

Your best defense is still a good offense. Hand washing and sanitizing, plenty of sleep, and avoid touching your eyes and mouth when you have been around sick people. Germ Free Remote bags can also make a big difference in schools and hotels, where many people potentially carrying germs could pass each day!