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Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano

Germs 
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Germs 

Where the Germs Are

With holiday season upon us, family gatherings, lack of sleep and more time spent indoors can make this one of the most unhealthy times of the year. Brett Young, M.D., a family medicine physician on the medical staff at Baylor Regional Medical Center at Plano, answers a few questions about stopping the spread of germs so you can stay healthy. 

Q: How do germs spread?

A: Viruses like the flu are spread by droplets, Dr. Young explains. When a person coughs or sneezes, droplets are released into the air, and those droplets can be inhaled by others.  

Some viruses, as well as bacterial and fungal infections, also can be transmitted by touching a contaminated surface, then touching your mouth, eyes or nose. Some germs can live for hours — or even weeks — on hard surfaces, he warns.  

Q: Where can germs lurk?

A: Just about anywhere. In addition to what’s in the air, purse bottoms, office desks, grocery cart handles, restaurant menus, hotel room remote controls and door handles can house germs. 

Plus, Dr. Young, says, it makes sense that when you get over an illness, wash all of your sheets and towels, and buy a new toothbrush. He adds that patients who have bacterical infections, such as staph infections, should be sure to disinfect their showers and discard their razors. 

Q: What can you do to prevent catching the germs?

A: “Wash your hands,” Dr. Young says. “Whatever germs you’re going to get will most likely come from your hands.” And wash well. “Wash for 20 seconds with soap and water. It’s the best thing you can do.” 

If soap isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer. “But remember, these are generally alcohol-based, which can dry out your hands,” he says. 

The other key is to make sure germs don’t get out in the first place. “Cover your cough,” Dr. Young says. “Or wear a mask.” And stay more than six feet away from someone who has the flu. 

More About Germs

Click here to learn more from Baylor Plano experts about how to reduce household germs. For a referral to a physician on the Baylor Plano medical staff, click here.