When attempting to avoid transferring infections and germs from one person to another, it is highly advisable to ensure your hands are washed on a regular basis, especially before cooking, eating and after visiting the bathroom. However, once we wash our hands and leave the room, we are more than likely going to have to touch a door handle. This handle will also have been touched by several others previously, all with different ideas and levels of personal hygiene.
Germs and bacteria are much more likely to be present on door handles than most places within the home. The same can be said for outside the home. This is due to the amount of people who pass through daily. Public toilets are the worst place to pick up infections through transferring bacteria. Even though you may have taken extra care to ensure that your hands are clean before leaving the bathroom, a person who previously entered may have just blown their nose; causing you to come into contact with harmful and unwanted germs that can convert into infections.
The most common conditions to be caused by this type of germ breeding are E.coli, Staphylococcus, Aureas and fungal and viral infections. All of these unpleasant and nasty infections are harsh enough for any fit and healthy adult to deal with but when passed onto babies and young children it can be a much worse and harmful occurrence.
Offices and places of work are also areas of high risk for bacteria. Keyboards, mouse devices, door handles and taps will all be touched by several people on a daily basis, again, all with different standards of hygiene. Whilst employers should have already instructed cleaning staff to concentrate on touch points within the office, door handles are commonly forgotten about.
Antiseptic wipes can be used to clean any surfaces or touch points throughout the day that need to be. These are available in pocket sized packs that fit easily in a pocket or handbag and will help eliminate the need for constant washing of regularly touched faces.
Sterilising gel can also be used to combat the chance of infection and is also easy to carry around. This is particularly advantageous when washing hands with soap and warm water cannot be done. Simply apply the gel onto the hand and rub into the hands, ensuring that they are both evenly covered.
When at home, it is important to include your door handles into your cleaning routine and ensure that they are wiped daily. This will significantly reduce the risk of infection within the home and also whilst out and about.