The Shocking Truth About Disease Ridden Public Places

The Shocking Truth About Disease Ridden Public Places

It’s no secret that public places can be hotspots for germs and bacteria, but the extent of the problem may surprise you. In fact, studies have found that everything from door handles to restaurant menus can be teeming with disease-causing microorganisms. The unfortunate reality is that many of us are unwittingly exposing ourselves to these germs on a daily basis, putting ourselves at risk of illness. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the shocking truth about disease-ridden public places and what you can do to protect yourself.

The Risks of Common Public Surfaces

The average person touches their face around 23 times an hour, providing ample opportunity for germs to enter our bodies. Public surfaces like shopping carts, ATMs, and elevator buttons can be breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. For instance, a study by the University of Arizona found that shopping cart handles can harbor more bacteria than a typical public restroom. Escalator handrails and elevator buttons were also revealed to be hotspots for germs.

Public restrooms, too, are well-known sources of germs, but other surfaces can be just as risky. Restaurant menus, for example, are often handled by multiple people throughout the day, yet are rarely cleaned. Studies have found that menus can carry up to 185,000 germs per square centimeter, making them one of the dirtiest items in a restaurant.

The Dangers of Unhygienic Practices

Of course, it’s not just surfaces that are at fault – human behavior can also contribute to the spread of disease in public places. Failure to wash hands properly is one of the most common culprits, but there are other careless behaviors to watch out for as well. For example, blowing out birthday candles on a cake can transfer as many as 1400 times more bacteria than not blowing them out at all. Similarly, self-service food buffets can be risky if people use the same utensils for multiple dishes, or worse, if they use their hands.

Airports, too, are notorious for the spread of disease. With so many people from around the world congregating in one place, it’s little wonder that viruses can easily be transmitted. Security bins, in particular, can be problematic. A study by the University of Nottingham found that viruses were identified on over half of the bins tested.

Protecting Yourself in Public Places

So, what can you do to protect yourself from the risk of disease in public places? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water aren’t available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used as a backup. It’s also important to avoid touching your face as much as possible, and to carry disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces like shopping cart handles or restaurant menus before using them.

In addition, it’s wise to be wary of certain situations and make adjustments where necessary. For instance, consider using a straw when drinking from a restaurant glass or bring your own utensils to use at a food buffet. Avoid touching elevator buttons with your bare fingers, and use a tissue or the back of your hand to open bathroom doors. Finally, stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid spreading your germs to others.

Conclusion

Germs and bacteria are an unavoidable part of life, but taking a few easy precautions can go a long way toward keeping you healthy. By being aware of the risks of disease in public places and taking steps to protect yourself, you can significantly reduce your chances of falling ill. Remember to wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and be mindful of unhygienic practices. With a little bit of effort, you can stay healthy and avoid the risks of disease in public places.

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