The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably reinforced a fundamental truth: the critical importance of hand hygiene. Washing your hands is not merely a suggestion; it’s an essential practice for maintaining good health and preventing the transmission of infectious agents. As highlighted by experts at the Mayo Clinic, diligent handwashing significantly curtails the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other germs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines a straightforward yet highly effective method for handwashing. They recommend using soap and clean running water. Alternatively, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can serve as a viable option. Numerous studies have corroborated the efficacy of both approaches in controlling germ proliferation.
While achieving a completely germ-free state for our hands is an unrealistic goal, and indeed, some bacteria are beneficial for our well-being, scientific research has identified specific scenarios where handwashing is particularly crucial. After encountering certain everyday items, it becomes a touchy subject, making immediate hand hygiene a priority.
Everyday Items That Demand Immediate Handwashing
Here are ten common items and environments that science suggests warrant immediate handwashing after contact:
Money:
While digital transactions are prevalent, cash remains a part of our daily lives. When you handle physical currency, be sure to wash your hands as soon as possible. Investigations into bills from various banks have revealed the presence of hundreds of microorganisms, including oral and vaginal bacteria, as well as DNA from pets and viruses. Further research has indicated that some currency and coins can harbor dangerous pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. The extended circulation period of bills, with some $100 bills remaining in use for up to 15 years according to the Federal Reserve, contributes to their germ-laden nature.Public Transportation Surfaces:
Surfaces on public transportation are a breeding ground for germs due to constant shared contact. Dr. Katy Burris, a board-certified dermatologist at Columbia University Medical Center, emphasizes the importance of washing hands after using public transit. This includes anything from escalator handrails and subway poles to bathroom door handles – essentially any surface that is repeatedly touched by numerous individuals.Restaurant Menus:
Restaurants, while enjoyable, can also be environments where viruses spread easily, and menus are a significant culprit. Research conducted at the University of Arizona found that restaurant menus can carry an astonishing 185,000 bacterial organisms. This is unsurprising given how frequently they are handled by both patrons and restaurant staff, who also manage used dishes and cutlery. Even if you’re using a QR code for ordering, it’s wise to wash your hands afterward.Touchscreens and Shared Devices:
In our increasingly digital world, screens have replaced many paper-based interactions. However, this shift brings its own set of hygiene concerns. Dr. Burris points out that kiosk machines in airports and public transit hubs are particularly problematic germ carriers. Cell phones, especially when shared, also fall into this category. Fortunately, simple handwashing with soap and water is highly effective in reducing the transmission of pathogens from these surfaces.Common Areas in Healthcare Settings:
Doctor’s offices, by their nature, see a constant flow of patients, making most surfaces potential germ reservoirs. The humble sign-in pen is a notable offender, reportedly carrying significantly more germs than an average toilet seat. Other areas to be mindful of include waiting room chair armrests and door handles.Animals:
While we often consider our pets as part of the family, it’s crucial to remember that animals can carry various diseases. Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, CEO of Dr. Nescohi LLC, stresses that handwashing after interacting with animals, whether they are your pets or someone else’s, is often overlooked but essential. This practice helps prevent the transmission of potential pathogens.Kitchen Utensils and Cleaning Supplies:
The kitchen is a hub of microbial activity. Raw food, utensils, and porous items like kitchen towels and sponges can harbor a vast array of bacteria. Studies have found hundreds of different bacterial species on used kitchen sponges alone. It’s advisable to replace old sponges regularly and always wash your hands before preparing meals and after handling raw meats.Borrowed Pens:
Although digital note-taking is common, there are times when borrowing a pen is necessary. However, it’s important to wash your hands after using it. Reports suggest that the average office pen can harbor ten times the germs of an office toilet seat. The habit of chewing on pen caps further exacerbates the germ transfer potential.Soap Dispensers and Pumps:
While it might seem counterintuitive, the act of dispensing soap can lead to germ transfer. Researchers have found that refillable soap dispensers can be particularly germ-laden. Each time the pump is pressed, bacteria that you intend to wash off can be transferred back onto the dispenser. Some studies suggest that touching refillable soap containers can transfer more bacteria than immersing hands in a toilet bowl.Airports:
Airports are high-traffic environments teeming with people and, consequently, germs. Surfaces such as doorknobs, water fountains, kiosk screens, and especially the plastic trays used in security lines are frequently touched and can harbor significant contamination. Research published in BMC Infectious Diseases points to these trays as a particular concern, as people place shoes and bags in them. Keeping hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes readily accessible in your carry-on is a wise precaution.