Cold season in full swing

By mudlark • November 2nd, 2008

Thankfully, we’ve kept colds at bay in our house with some awesome Shaklee supplements for grown-ups and kids. But this study came out the other day, in Canada, and I have to say I’m not surprised. Basically, it notes that high-touch areas in the house are likely to be contaminated with cold-causing viruses like rotavirus.

Doorknobs, telephones, refrigerator handles, remote controls – they’re all hotbeds of virus transmission, and cold viruses can live on those surfaces for 48 hours or more. It also noted that viruses were found in hotel rooms at the time of check-in for new guests, left behind from the previous residents. And nothing new to moms, but toys in doctor’s office waiting rooms were also contaminated – even those in well-child waiting areas.

So, how do you stay healthy this cold season? According to the CDC the most important thing you can do is wash hands frequently, and properly. Wash with warm water and soap (though not anti-bacterial), scrubbing for 20 seconds (sing the alphabet song for the approximate right timing). When you wash, use something else to turn off the faucet, as 80% of bathroom faucets in the study were contaminated with viruses. And this cold season when you’re cleaning up around the house, make sure to wipe those high-touch areas more frequently – faucets, phones, dishwasher and refrigerator handles, remote controls, and door knobs. You don’t need an anti-bacterial when you’re cleaning those high-touch areas – it’s really the wiping action that cleans them off. Put a little all-purpose cleaner or vinegar on a cloth and wipe away – the germs will slide off just like spilled juice would.

If you have a maid service – natural and green or otherwise - ask them not to forget your doorknobs and appliance handles this season. They might even be willing to wipe down your telephone receivers and remote controls if you ask nicely!

Comments(3) Cleaning tips, Health, News

Comments

By klarissa on November 4th, 2008 at 2:35 pm

Wow. I’m not that surprised, either, by the study, but I didn’t know that germs were cleaned off just by wiping. That will save me a bit in anti-bacterial cleaners.

By mudlark on November 4th, 2008 at 2:45 pm

And if you check out the info on antibacterials, their effect on the environment and their contribution to the creation of super-germs, you’ll have even more reason to shy away from them.

By BlueOrchid on January 27th, 2009 at 3:29 pm

Vitamin D plays a big roll during cold season. We just don’t get out in the sun as much during the winter. Immune systems get depressed when the body does not have enough of this important vitamin.