What’s more concerning than unintentionally spreading a disease? Doing so without even realizing it.
This happens more frequently than many might assume, often due to common daily habits that seem harmless.
Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an infectious diseases physician at Northwell Health, highlights some everyday behaviors that make him uneasy due to their potential to transmit germs.
While these habits can be risky for anyone, he emphasizes they’re particularly dangerous for those with compromised immune systems or sensitive digestive systems.
1. Inadequate Handwashing Before Food Preparation
Washing hands shouldn’t merely be about removing visible dirt.
The real issue is the bacteria you might unknowingly carry. Hirsch notes that while many of these germs don’t typically cause illness in you, they could pose a risk to someone else.
“Often, we carry bacteria that don’t harm us but could lead to illness in others,” he shared. “When someone is carrying potentially harmful bacteria, it becomes concerning. Sometimes, it’s not just the bacteria itself, it’s their impact.”
The solution is straightforward: wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water, making sure to scrub them for at least ten seconds before rinsing. And it’s crucial to dry your hands well, too, rather than just shaking them off.
2. Sneezing the Wrong Way
Sneezing is a natural reflex, but where those sneezes land is important.
Many people instinctively sneeze into their hands, which can easily transfer germs to whatever they touch next. Instead, Hirsch recommends sneezing into the elbow.
“You should aim for the elbow crease so you’re targeting a spot that won’t come into contact with anyone or anything else,” he explained.
He suggests turning away from others and pulling up your arm when sneezing.
3. Overusing Hand Sanitizers
Being excessively clean can sometimes be counterproductive.
Hirsch points out that some individuals douse themselves and their surroundings with hand sanitizer, a practice that may backfire.
“In medical literature, there’s this idea known as the hygiene hypothesis,” he explained. “[It] suggests that an overly sanitized environment is linked to a rise in allergic conditions, such as peanut allergies in children.”
His views are in line with research suggesting that exposure to natural environments can be beneficial for both immune health and gut bacteria.
“We didn’t evolve surrounded by alcohol sanitizers,” he noted. “Our development was in response to environments filled with bacteria and germs, and we’ve managed as a species.”
4. Handshaking in Hospitals
While declining a handshake may seem impolite in many situations, it can be a wise decision in hospitals.
Hirsch values connecting with patients, but he cautions that handshakes in such environments can pose risks. Hospitals are places where people are often dealing with various illnesses and treatments, making them hotspots for germs.
“Patients in hospitals represent a higher risk compared to social gatherings,” he explained. “It’s better to avoid unnecessary physical contact—let’s opt for elbow bumps instead.”
He is particularly wary of specific pathogens, such as MRSA, more than common germs that cause diarrhea.
5. Masks Worn Incorrectly
A mask loses its purpose if it isn’t covering the mouth and nose as intended.
This might seem obvious, but Hirsch still observes many individuals wearing masks improperly, particularly in healthcare settings where illnesses like the flu and COVID-19 are concerns.
“It’s strange to see people wearing masks on their chins or below their noses, as if they’re trying to look like they’re following the rules but aren’t really protecting anyone,” he argued.
“In such cases, the mask provides absolutely no benefit, yet they wear it anyway.”
