Common Myths About Germs -- Busted

Myth #1 -- You'll get sick from the germs on public toilet seats

This myth seems to have started back in the days of the syphilis scare. It's true that syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease and is contagious through sexual contact, but not from your public restroom.

Instead of worrying about sitting on a public toilet seat, you need to be more diligent about not touching the seat with your hands and touching the flush handle. You are more likely to get sick if you get germs on your hands and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. So, go ahead and sit down -- but wash your hands.

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 are blown onto your hands. This was easily exposed as a myth after taking apart hand dryers and testing for germs.

No germs were found to be living inside the nozzle of hand dryers. However, germs are on the buttons that you push to start the hand dryer so try starting the dryer by pushing the button with your elbow or using only dryers that motion detectors on them.

Myth #3 -- Anti-bacterial hand cleaners are better than 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. Triclosan is the active ingredient that is added to anti-bacterial soaps but it is slow-acting so it probably isn't on your hands long enough to kill the bacteria. Stick with regular soap and water to keep your hands germ free.

Myth # 4 -- Your dog's mouth is cleaner than your mouth

While your dog's mouth actually does have fewer microbes that are harmful to humans, it doesn't mean that it's cleaner. It still contains more microbes than human mouths and you have to consider where your dog has been licking. Your dog's mouth or nose comes in contact with a certain material which may contain worms on a regular basis not to mention and scrapes and sores he licks to keep clean.

As you can see, there is no reason 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 is sufficient to prevent most illnesses due to germs.