Germs

There's a lot of advice about at the moment regarding washing hands often and even the need to use wipes for your hands when you go shopping.  Your opinion, please. - Victoria, Connecticut

Well to start off, there is no way you can see hidden germs without a microscope.  Throughout the day we  collect bacteria on our hands and no sooner have we washed them off than they start collecting again.  Not only our hands carry germs but so do items such as handbags, which are placed on the floor, collect germs and then perhaps placed on top of a restaurant table.  In this way, harmful bacteria can be spread.  Remember also that make-up testers in shops can be contaminated with serious bugs such as E Coli or Staphylococcus bacteria.  There are so many hidden dangers that it is wise to wash our hands frequently AND keep fingers off our faces, in our mouths, noses, ears and eyes.

Which are the worst places for hidden germs? - Alison, Durban, KZN

Believe it or not - our computer keyboards!  Our desks, telephones - mobile and non-mobile, ATM key buttons, television remote controls, shopping trolley and basket handles, shoes, kitchen sinks, toilets, wiping cloths and tea towels. all harbor germs.  Don't forget the laundry - there's a reason it can smell bad.  Although it makes clothing last longer - try not to wash laundry on cold water wash cycles but instead over 60 deg C in order to kill off bacteria.