Virus and Germ Prevention in the Home

Did you know that your kitchen faucet may harbor 44 times more bacteria than your toilet seat? Check out our Virus & Germ Prevention infographic and learn where germs are hiding in plain sight so you can disinfect and prevent spread.

Here are a few tips and tricks to keep you and your home healthy:

• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough, and throw used tissues in the trash right away.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. About 80% of infectious diseases are spread by touch. When you touch a surface or object that is contaminated with germs and then touch your face, you increase your chance of getting sick.
• Steer clear of people that are already sick. The same goes for when you’re sick, especially with a cough or fever. Keep your distance. Stay home from work and keep children home from school to prevent illness from spreading.
• Sharing is NOT caring. Don’t share towels, lipstick, toys or anything that might be contaminated with respiratory germs. And, don’t share food, utensils, cups or water bottles with others.
• Break out the disinfectant. Regularly wipe down counters, door knobs, light switches and other surfaces in your home.
• If a toilet overflows or a sewer backs up into the home, use old towels to sop up the mess. Then, mop the floor and other affected areas using soap and hot water. Rinse the mop and bucket thoroughly and go back over everything with a mild bleach solution to disinfect. Wash the towels by themselves with detergent and bleach on the hottest wash cycle.