Sharing is caring. At least that’s what we’ve been told.
But according to germ experts, we share way too much. We live in a germ-infested world. Unfortunately, we don’t even realize it.
We constantly come in contact with a lot of stuff and a lot of people. Naturally, both the objects and people we are surrounded by get exposed to germs and other nasty microscopic organisms that could be detrimental to our health.
While you may think you’re being generous, you may actually be putting yourself and others in a risky health situation. Here are five things germ experts say you should stop sharing.
1. Towels
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Stay dry, folks. Or at least, try to.
But in your quest to dry off after a shower or dip in the pool, make sure to use your own towel. Because of their material, towels are a safe haven for bacteria and fungus. A damp, moist environment can be the perfect place for these nasty bugs to survive and thrive.
2. Razors
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You’re stuck in the shower and there’s only one razor. Do you risk slipping on the floor to get another one or just use the one your spouse left behind?
If you live with someone, you’ve probably encountered this situation before. But be warned: That is risky razor behavior.
Because razors come in close contact with skin, they can be the perfect vessel to share bacteria. Even worse, you could contract blood-borne pathogens like hepatitis.
3. Phones
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We touch them, talk into them, put them down and pick them back up all day long. And few of us really wash our hands or stay as sanitary as we should.
Phones may be the way of the future (and the present) but they are also an easy way to spread germs. Whether you let someone make a quick call or pass them your phone to show them the latest viral video, you could be putting yourself at risk.
4. Fast-Food Trays
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If you’re sitting down in a fast-food restaurant, more than likely you’ll have your food on a tray. What may seem like a convenience can actually be a convenient way to get sick. And I’m not talking about the burgers.
Fast-food trays often get washed with just a cloth and are not disinfected properly. That means you could be eating off a tray full of food grease and past diner’s germs.
Maybe drive thru is the way to go after all.
5. Pens
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Borrowing a pen from a colleague is a common workplace occurrence. What you may not realize is that that friendly co-worker may also be sharing his or her germs.
This is even worse in doctor’s offices, where the clipboard pen can contain 46,000 times more germs than a toilet seat. The best bet is to bring your own pen and lower the chances of catching someone else’s germs.
