Taking the family on road trips and vacations is something that most of us look forward to all year. Spending that quality time while school is out and work is on hold can be relaxing and nurturing. But, germs never take a vacation and there are some spots that we frequent during summer break where germs are very prevalent.
Here is a brief guide to summer germs and how to avoid them (as best you can):
Hot tubs, swimming pools, and saunas. During summer break many of us like to stay at hotels that have swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs. After a long day of driving or, a busy day of activities at our chosen destination, hot water is a brilliant way to unwind. But, although these systems are treated with chemicals to kill most of the germs, the chemicals don’t kill all of them and they don’t treat the hand railing, door handles, or edges of the basin. If you are planning to spend time in any of these this summer, make sure that you wash your hands after and take a good shower to rinse off. It is easy to think ‘well, I was just in the water so I don’t need to take a shower after’. However, it is this thinking that allows germs to spread. While you are in the water or sauna, don’t touch your hands to your face, mouth, or eyes. If you have small children, make sure they do not drink the pool or hot tub water.
Camping is such a fun way to spend time together as a family. However, germs are outdoors just as much as they are indoors. When you are moving around the campground and preparing meals, make sure not to set food down on any benches or logs nearby, set the food down on a plate that you have taken out. Often times chipmunks and squirrels like to scurry around campgrounds and could have left some feces or urine behind. Make sure to wash your hands frequently, even if it is a cursory wash it will help combat some germs. If you or your family uses the public showers, make sure to wear flip flops or other waterproof footwear to prevent contracting a fungal infection
Keep yourself and your family safe, and health this summer by staying mindful while you are out at hotels, campgrounds, and amusement parks. These places can be full of germs and it is important to be cautious.