Tag

Hygiene

All articles tagged with #hygiene

Pharmacies Identified as High-Risk Viral Hotspots During Cold Season
health5 days ago

Pharmacies Identified as High-Risk Viral Hotspots During Cold Season

Experts warn that pharmacies are significant hotspots for cold and flu viruses during the fall season. Because many customers are already sick or have been exposed to illness, high-touch surfaces like sign-in screens and payment terminals become contaminated. Microbiologist Jason Tetro and gastroenterologist Supriya Rao advise that even brief visits can lead to infection. They recommend using hand sanitizer immediately after touching these surfaces, applying a quarter-sized amount and rubbing for 15 seconds, to reduce the risk of contracting pathogens like rhinovirus and COVID variants.

Pharmacies Are Hidden Hotspots for Cold and Flu Germs, Experts Warn
health5 days ago

Pharmacies Are Hidden Hotspots for Cold and Flu Germs, Experts Warn

As cold and flu season begins, experts warn that pharmacies are high-risk environments for contracting viruses due to the high concentration of sick individuals. Microbiologist Jason Tetro and gastroenterologist Supriya Rao advise that touching shared surfaces like sign-in screens and payment terminals can transfer pathogens. They recommend using hand sanitizer immediately after touching these surfaces, applying a quarter-sized amount and rubbing for 15 seconds, to reduce infection risk.

Norovirus Cases Surge as Winter Season Begins
health8 days ago

Norovirus Cases Surge as Winter Season Begins

Norovirus infections are rising across the United States as the country enters the colder months. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cases typically spike from late fall through winter because people spend more time indoors, facilitating transmission. The virus, often called 'winter vomiting disease,' causes nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea, usually lasting one to three days. While most people recover at home, severe dehydration or blood in stool requires medical attention. Experts emphasize that handwashing with soap and water is the primary defense, as alcohol-based sanitizers are ineffective against norovirus. A new strain circulating since earlier this year may lead to a more severe season.

Toilet Flushes Send Microbes Flying, New Review Finds
health1 month ago

Toilet Flushes Send Microbes Flying, New Review Finds

A review of 22 studies finds that flushing toilets aerosolizes droplets containing bacteria, viruses and fecal matter, sending them several feet into the air and sometimes keeping them airborne for at least 20 seconds. Higher microbial concentration and more water in the flush increase air contamination. Closing the lid helps only modestly against microscopic aerosols, so hygiene practices—regular cleaning, handwashing, and using lower-volume flushes—are advised, especially in public restrooms. More research is needed to develop effective interventions to reduce toilet-generated aerosols.

How often should you shower? A practical guide to clean, healthy skin
health1 month ago

How often should you shower? A practical guide to clean, healthy skin

Most adults should shower every other day or daily with warm water for about 5–10 minutes; frequency should consider hair type, climate, age, and skin conditions like eczema or acne. Not showering enough can cause odor, greasy skin/hair, and infections such as folliculitis or athlete's foot, while too-frequent washing can strip natural oils and disrupt skin microbes. Adjust for heat, activity, and medical guidance, using tepid water and soap as needed.

Shower smarter: experts say three minutes is plenty
lifestyle1 month ago

Shower smarter: experts say three minutes is plenty

An environmental scientist says most people don’t need long showers: about three minutes for a body wash, two more for shampoo, and one minute if you skip hair washing; longer showers are often for relaxation rather than cleanliness, affected by factors like soft water, water pressure, and time of day. A practical tip is to shampoo once to save water and money.

Gen Z’s ‘pheromone maxxing’ fad gets debunked by science
health1 month ago

Gen Z’s ‘pheromone maxxing’ fad gets debunked by science

TikTok users say skipping showers boosts attraction through “pheromone maxxing,” but experts warn there’s no solid evidence that pheromones drive human attraction; scent preference is personal and not a guaranteed method to attract partners. Regular hygiene remains prudent, and many so-called looksmaxxing practices cited in the piece are controversial or unsupported by science.

Gen Z Pheromone-Maxxing Trend Prompts Hygiene Debate
lifestyle1 month ago

Gen Z Pheromone-Maxxing Trend Prompts Hygiene Debate

A viral TikTok trend called 'pheromone-maxxing' prompts some Gen Z men to skip showers and deodorant before dates, with reports of wearing unwashed shirts or even drinking urine to boost scent. Experts say there is no solid evidence that human pheromones reliably influence attraction, and studies on body odor show mixed results, while the trend aligns with the broader looksmaxxing movement and raises hygiene concerns.

Bidets gain medical nod to ease cyclosporiasis symptoms amid U.S. outbreak
health2 months ago

Bidets gain medical nod to ease cyclosporiasis symptoms amid U.S. outbreak

Amid a cyclosporiasis outbreak spanning 45 states, doctors say antibiotics are needed for treatment, but using a bidet can help reduce skin irritation and lower the risk of fecal-oral transmission during frequent bathroom trips. Bidets offer gentler, continuous cleaning and are a comfort measure rather than a infection-prevention tool; proper handwashing, surface disinfection, and staying home while infectious remain essential. Additional home care tips include barrier creams, lukewarm water and pat-drying, and fragrance- and alcohol-free wipes if a bidet isn’t available.

Rainy-season UTIs: how damp weather and dehydration can reach your kidneys
health3 months ago

Rainy-season UTIs: how damp weather and dehydration can reach your kidneys

Monsoon humidity, damp clothing, dehydration and delayed urination create conditions for bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. If UTIs are not treated promptly, bacteria can ascend to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis. Watch for symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urge, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, fever, and back or side pain. People with diabetes or hypertension are at higher risk, and self-medication should be avoided; seek medical care for persistent symptoms. Prevention tips include drinking adequate water, changing out of wet clothes, not holding urine for long periods, maintaining hygiene, eating fresh foods, and scheduling routine kidney checkups.