In every household, especially those with kids, it’s essential to take measures to prevent the spread of illness. Whether it’s the common cold, the flu, or other contagious conditions, implementing some simple strategies can help keep everyone healthy.
Here are five tips for stopping sickness from spreading in your home, with a focus on practical and child-friendly approaches.
1. Hand Hygiene Is Key
The most effective way to prevent the spread of germs is through proper hand hygiene. Encourage children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. Teach them to scrub their hands for at least 20 seconds, which is about the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice. For times when soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60per cent alcohol.
2. Cover Coughs And Sneezes
Germs can spread through droplets in the air, so it’s crucial to cover coughs and sneezes. Teach kids to use a tissue or their elbow to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissues immediately and wash hands afterward. This simple habit can significantly reduce the risk of spreading illnesses, especially in close quarters like at home.
3. Keep Surfaces Clean
Germs can survive on surfaces for several hours, making it essential to regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Focus on areas like doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and countertops. Use a disinfectant that is effective against viruses and bacteria, and make sure to follow the instructions on the label. Involving kids in the cleaning process can also teach them about the importance of maintaining a clean environment.
4. Isolate Sick Individuals
If someone in the family is sick, try to limit their contact with others as much as possible. Designate a specific area or room for the sick person and encourage them to rest there. Provide them with their own set of utensils, cups, and towels to avoid cross-contamination. Encourage other family members to keep a safe distance and, if possible, use a mask when interacting with the sick individual.
5. Boost Immune Health
Supporting a strong immune system is another crucial step in preventing the spread of illness. Ensure that your family is eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Adequate sleep is also essential, as it helps the body recover and fight off infections. Encourage regular physical activity and consider family activities like walking or biking together. For kids, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can be particularly beneficial.
How To Clean:
Bacteria and viruses can easily spread in other commonly used surfaces in your home, too.
Doorknobs
They do more than allow you into your home or a room. These handles can carry staph, short for Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium.
While usually not a threat, staph can be harmful if it enters your mouth, eyes, cuts, or scrapes, and can cause a wide spectrum of problems.
The new coronavirus can also get on your doorknobs if you’re regularly going to work or going out and then touching doorknobs before washing your hands.
Toilet Handle
The toilet may be an easy mark for potential health dangers in the bathroom, but it’s for a reason you might not expect.
Sure, you know to keep the bowl and the seat clean, but how often do you clean the flush handle? Rotavirus, enterococcus, and other nasty pests can live there.
Enterococcus can cause bacterial gastroenteritis. Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea among children.
Countertops
Keep all surfaces cleaned and sanitized after you cook.
This extra step will help eliminate food bacteria such as Campylobacter, a common cause of diarrhea. This will also discourage insects from feasting on the leftovers left on the counter.
Household pests like cockroaches can carry a number of pathogens and can also trigger asthma and allergies in some people.
Sponges And Dish Towels
A sponge can carry mold and thousands of germs and foodborne pathogens if it’s not cleaned or stored properly.
Things you can do to kill germs on a sponge include:
placing the sponge in the dishwasher with a high temperature and the drying cycle on
wetting it and putting it in the microwave for 1–2 minutes
squeezing it out well after every use and keeping it in a place that allows it to air dry
Takeaway
Humankind has come a long way in the development of indoor spaces.
We take for granted a lot of modern conveniences, and some of these can bring harmful chemicals, germs, and safety risks into the home.
Take a few extra steps and precautions to make and keep your home a safe haven.
