6 germaphobe habits we should all follow

Presidential candidate Donald Trump and comedian Howie Mandel are two famous examples of germaphobes, people who are obsessed with cleanliness and germ avoidance. Both men refuse to shake hands with others. 

That might be a little extreme, but infectious disease experts say that some germaphobe behaviors make sense and should be followed by the rest of us.

“It’s important to practice certain measures to reduce your risk of exposure to germs,” Andy Nish, M.D., of the Northeast Georgia Physicians Group tells Newsmax Health.

Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., author of the best-selling book Real Cause, Real Cure says that it is important to protect yourself without going overboard.

“Coming into close contact with bacteria and viruses in our environment is not entirely a bad thing,” he says. “This exposure is how our immune system learns to handle things and is associated with a lower risk of allergies and asthma. Keeping a totally sterile environment is not a good idea. 

“However, when there’s a seasonal or other contagious bug out there, that’s the time to take precautions against touching things that other people have put their hands on.”

Here are six germaphobe behaviors that will help you stay healthy:

1. Hold your breath when someone around you sneezes. 

This is basic common sense, says Dr. Teitelbaum. “Or simply turn your head for a moment. Avoid touching objects in your surroundings and then touching your face —which gives the virus a free ride to your mouth or nose.”

2. Regularly wipe down your phone. 

Phones are notoriously germy and they come in close contact with your mouth, eyes, ears, and other potential disease entry points. Use an antibacterial wipe at least once weekly to sanitize cellphones and desk phones you use. Keyboards and door knobs should receive similar attention, Dr. Christine Le of the Kelsey-Seybold Clinic in Texas tells Newsmax Health.

3. Clean your hands after pumping gas. 

According to studies, gas pumps are among the filthiest public surfaces. Keep hand sanitizer or wipes in your car. 

4. Hang your handbag. 

Keep purses off germy floors. Dr. Le also recommends regularly wiping your handbags with sanitizing wipes.

5. Protect yourself in public bathrooms. 

According to research from the University of Florida, faucets, soap dispensers, door handles, and toilets are loaded with bacteria and viruses. When using a public restroom, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and to push the door open to exit. When given a choice, use paper towels over air hand dryers. A 2012 study in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings concluded that paper towels are more hygienic than electric dryers.

6. Shut before you flush. 

When using your own bathroom, close the lid before you flush the toilet to prevent bacteria from becoming airborne, contaminating countertops and toothbrushes. Better still, use a toothbrush cover, which are sold at drugstores. 

Follow NEWS.am Medicine on Facebook and Twitter