Germs, Infection, Chemo and YOU!

10 Things You Can Do At Home To Help Prevent Sickness

The flu by itself is never good, yet as many of us are well aware, when a body is in “kick cancer to the curb” mode, getting the flu can wreak havoc. Not only can the flu cause trouble, germs, viruses, and bacteria can be risk factors when undergoing cancer treatments. When the bodies white blood cell count is low, risk for infection increases. For those that undergo chemotherapy, white blood cell levels are at their lowest 7-12 days after treatment and that low can last up to one week after this, making it especially important to remain healthy. Just as we keep newborn babies safe from harm’s way, the same is true for cancer patients. Maintaining a clean environment is important, as is steering clear of interactions with others that are sick, and avoiding public places that are breeding grounds for germs. Protecting a body from germs and infection is vital when battling a cancer diagnosis.

Folklore suggests warding off vampires with garlic, so perhaps it could be that easy to keep germs at bay. Even though keeping things clean sounds exhausting, there really are some simple and easy things to help protect from getting “sick” while fighting the “C” word.

1. Germ-Free Bed Linens – We are not just talking about washing your sheets every week to stay clean. Sheets collect everything from dust mites to bodily fluid, and are a major culprit for spreading infection. Some may recommend washing your sheets every 48 hours, but who has time for that? What if we told you there is an invention that can help keep your sheets safe even if they are not washed. Well, there is. Safe Haven Linens. These sheets are antimicrobial and have been proven to kill off even the toughest bacteria.
2. Clean Your Kitchen Sponge Daily – Yes the favorite sponge we all have sitting within reach from the sink harbors tons of germs. Daily, put the sponge in the microwave for 2 minutes to kill off germs. Sponges should be replaced weekly. Oh, and wash your kitchen towel at least once a week!
3. Wash Your Hands – Really, keeping hands away from your face is the best thing you can do, however we all touch our face more than we would like to admit on a daily basis. In order to keep germs at bay, washing our hands is important. Often people use hand-sanitizers, yet many can strip your hands of the good bacteria that ward off the bad ones, so be careful in your choosing. Theraworx Protect can be an alternative.
4. Have You Washed Your Washer? – Your washing machine should be washed twice a month. It is a household appliance that is used often, however because our washer cleans, we don’t always take into consideration it also needs to be cleaned.
5. Degerm Your Trash Can – Trash cans are swimming in germs. Each time you take out the trash, disinfect. Or ask the kids to.
6. Smartphone Detox – Most of us have our smartphones within arms reach at all times. Detoxing from the smartphone is important, as is keeping it clean. Devices are in our hands and next to our face all day, they need to be wiped down and kept clean daily.
7. Wipe Down Salt and Pepper Shakers – Did you know that University of Virginia researchers found bacteria on 100% of salt and pepper shakers during a study? Can you say gross? Wipe down all salt and pepper shakers, and maybe think twice before reaching for salt and pepper at a restaurant.
8. Cover Your Toothbrush – We all seek convenience, and having the toothbrush next to the sink is exactly that, however it can also be a source for unnecessary contamination. Water and particles from sinks, showers, and toilets (yes even toilets) can make their way to your toothbrush. Our advice, cover up the toothbrush or put it away where it is safe, and don’t forget to replact it at a minimum of every three months. If you get the flu, once it is gone, always replace your brush.
9. Clean the sink – Whether it is the bathroom or kitchen sink, sinks need to be sanitized daily. Not only the sink, be sure to wipe down handles and faucets as well.
10. Avoid Eating In Bed – We understand that sometimes getting out of bed is the hardest thing, and there are many times we simply can’t. If you must eat in bed, use a tray. Food crumbs are an open invitation for germs. Perhaps we could prevent a lot by implementing our #1 recommendation- Safe Haven Bed Sheets- keep germs away while we are healing in the comfort of our beds.