Close-knit families share many things together, including meals, vacations and sometimes illnesses. When living in close quarters with others, it’s not surprising that stomach bugs or colds get passed around among members of the household.
Germs, bacteria and viruses can spread easily through the air and on surfaces. According to Healthwatch England, once introduced into the home, it’s possible for certain viruses and bacteria to live on nonporous surfaces for hours and even days. However, The Mayo Clinic says that, it’s possible to catch the flu or a cold after handling an object an infected person sneezed or coughed on a few moments ago. Since it’s not possible to avoid your family entirely when ill, there are some steps that you can take to help limit the spread of illness at home.
It’s impossible to kill every germ in the home, but regular cleaning and disinfecting high-risk areas can prevent illness from spreading, especially when one family member is ill. Areas to concentrate on include:
• kitchen sink
• bathroom faucets
• doorknobs
• light switches
• toilet handle
• telephones
• remote controls
• refrigerator handle
Disinfect Periodically
Some evidence suggests that eradicating all germs can affect the body’s natural ability to fight infection. Therefore, routinely clean, but do not overdo it with regard to your use of chemical disinfectants. Ensuring an illness does not become rampant in a home can be a challenge, but it is possible when homes are regularly cleaned.
