Flu season is upon us, so what can we do to avoid catching it? According to board-certified functional and family medicine physician Yeral Patel, MD, in addition to getting a flu shot, there are several steps you can take to rid your home of the germs that can make you sick.
“Some bacteria can divide every 20 minutes, which is why illnesses occur so quickly after an infection,” said Patel. “A recent study about the most contaminated objects in the home found over 340 different bacteria on 30 different objects.” Another study revealed that when you flush the toilet with the lid up, bacteria can spread as far as 6 feet.
Patel says the two most germ-filled areas of the home are kitchens and baths where staph, yeast, mold, salmonella, E. coli and fecal matter can be found.
So what are the biggest culprits in each room?

Bathroom

• bath towels
• soap dish
• toothbrushes
• toilet and the floor around it
• drains
• shower/tub
• faucets
• light switches

Kitchen

• cutting boards
• coffee maker
• refrigerator handles and interior shelving
• kitchen sink and countertops
• stove knobs
• microwave handle
• drains
• faucets
• light switches

The following are Patel’s tips for keeping these bacteria magnets clean:

• Use disinfectant wipes on faucets, countertops, other surfaces regularly
• Heat damp sponges in the microwave for 60 seconds to kill bacteria
• Soak sponges in a quart of warm water with 1/2 tsp. concentrated bleach to disinfect
• Launder or change towels in kitchens and baths a few times a week
• Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after touching or handling food and after using the toilet

Patel is board certified in anti-aging/regenerative and family medicine who practices in Newport Beach, California. She uses an integrative medicine approach to treat and prevent chronic medical conditions and utilizes a combination of both groundbreaking allopathic and homeopathic treatments to achieve optimal results for her patients. Her mission is to provide the highest quality and compassionate care to her patients and the public by helping them achieve and maintain their optimal health, wellness, beauty, and to prevent the signs of aging from both inside and outhttps://www.yeralpatelmd.com/