Germs, they are everywhere- How to lower your risk.

Germs, the yucky and freighting word that drives everyone to the drug store to purchase anti-bacterial soap and hand sanitizer by the millions of bottles each year. With thousands dying from the Flu and other related illnesses, consumers have become obsessed with antibacterial soap, and hand sanitizer. The good news is that these germ-fighting shields will reduce your chances of most germs being transmitted to your hands and arms. The bad news is that germs are everywhere, and using these sanitizers alone only minimizes your risk of being infected. Always wash your hands and forearms with soap and warm water after using the restroom, and when possible, after touching areas where there is high public usage. Remember to avoid putting your hands or fingernails in your mouth, or other objects like pens, pencils, or other habit formed items. Remember, there is no magic potion to staying well, but you can reduce your risk by being smart, and avoiding the hot-spots where germs are exploding, and waiting to connect with your hands and body. Examples are door handles, shopping cart handles, automatic restroom hand dryers/blowers, bathroom and kitchen sinks, elevator buttons, and don't forget the dreaded ATM buttons. Newer studies released in 2018 suggest that one of the most concentrated areas to become infected is the "Work-place." Think about how often your co-workers are sick, and areas that are touched hundreds of times per day by these people who are infected. Wash your hands after leaving the break room, restrooms, conference rooms, after touching stair railings, and shaking hands with people that you know are sick. Use a paper towel to exit the restroom, which will provide an additional layer of protection from the germ-ridden restroom door handle. Keep your work area as clean as possible. Practice wiping down your workstation twice daily with a disinfecting wipe, (including your keyboard and phone) before you get started for the day, and just before you leave. This will reduce more than 91 percent of bacteria and viruses.  You don't need to become a self-proclaimed germ fanatic, but you do need to be smart about protecting yourself when possible, and remember the over usage of anti-bacterial has been reported to kill good bacteria, so use in moderation to avoid bacterial resistance.