Common Myths About Germs -- Busted
With the invention of germ killing soaps and sanitizers, the fears and phobias about germs only spread and grow more creative. Instead of lessening the fear of germs, these products increase the awareness and fear of them. Before you fall prey to these fears, learn the truth about these common germ myths.
Myth #1 -- Germs on public toilet seats make you sick
This myth dates back to the days of the syphilis scare. While true that the sexually transmitted disease syphilis is contagious through sexual contact, but not true from your public restroom toilet.
Instead of worrying about sitting on a public toilet seat, do not touch the seat with your hands or touch the flush handle. Getting germs on your hands and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes is far more likely to make you sick. So, go ahead and sit down -- but wash your hands after.
Myth #2 -- The hand dryers in public restrooms spread germs
The myth about public restroom hand dryers started due to the fear that "germy" dust collects in the dryer opening. When you dry your hands, the germs blow onto your hands. This myth gets debunked easily after taking apart hand dryers and testing for germs.
No germs were found living inside the nozzle of hand dryers. However, germs live on the buttons that you push to start the hand dryer. So try starting the dryer by pushing the button with your elbow or use only dryers with motion detectors on them.
Myth #3 -- Anti-bacterial hand cleaners reign supreme over regular soap
Washing your hands with regular soap and water for 20 seconds is the most effective way to clean your hands. Washing with soap doesn't kill germs, it simply removes them. The active ingredient added to anti-bacterial soaps is Triclosan. But the slow acting ingredient probably isn't on your hands long enough to kill the bacteria. Stick with regular soap and water and keep your hands germ free.
Myth # 4 -- A dog's mouth is cleaner than your mouth
While your dog's mouth actually contains fewer microbes harmful to humans, it doesn't mean cleaner necessarily. It still contains more microbes than human mouths and consider where your dog licks. Your dog's mouth or nose comes in contact with certain materials that may contain worms on a regular basis. Not to mention scrapes and sores he licks to keep clean.
As you can see, no reason exists for you to fear these common myths about germs and no reason to go into hiding. Using common sense and keeping your hands clean with soap and water sufficiently prevent most illnesses due to germs.
