Getting Real About Germ Avoidance Fails, Like Flushing with Your Foot

Dirty Bathroom

Depending on our psychological profiles, some of us worry about germs more than others. Of course, no one wants to get sick or come into contact with anyone else’s cooties, but some people take germ avoidance a little too far. The reality is, those efforts are nothing but a waste of time. With cold and flu season closing in, it’s likely that many people will start to ramp up their germ-avoidance tactics. One that you might engage in is particularly futile: flushing a public toilet with your foot.

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Facts You’d Rather Not Know About Dust Mites

Hands and Dust

As the saying goes, “knowledge is power,” but too much information can be a curse, especially when it comes to creepy-crawlies, even the ones we can’t see. Maybe even especially the ones we can’t see. Dust mites are a microscopic example of a persistent and pervasive pest. Only measuring approximately 0.3 millimeters, dust mites are found everywhere — no matter your personal hygiene habits or commitment to a clean home.

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A Look at the Lifespan of Common Bacteria and Viruses

Bacteria

As we approach cold and flu season, it’s a good time to take a look at the lifespan of common bacteria and viruses — the culprits behind colds, flus, and bugs that run rampant during the winter. Understanding how long these bacteria and viruses can survive on the surfaces surrounding us might help protect us from coming into contact with them.

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