They might be living in your house as invaders since generations! They might be the main causes of your family's illnesses! That's right. The germ attack is something most households need to be vary of as these tiny invaders are so minute and sneaky that they can creep into our bodies without even being noticed. They nourish themselves by feeding on human waste and then multiply

Bacteria, yeast, mould, fungus, viruses and spores are types of micro-organisms – tiny beings that are invisible to the naked eye. Not all of these are harmful, but many are. The ones that can definitely or potentially cause harm are commonly called "germs".

Household pests
E.coli
found commonly in or around toilets, can cause food poisoning

Aspergillus niger
a black mould that is not only a difficult stain to remove, but can cause allergy and has been linked to cancer.

Salmonella
causes food poisoning.

Campylobacter jejuni
causes stomach ulcers that can lead to permanent damage of the intestines

Rhinovirus
causes common cold – found on surfaces around the home

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
causes pungent smells and can block drains  Once germs invade our bodies, they snuggle in for a long stay. They gobble up nutrients and energy, and can produce toxins, which are like poisons. Those toxins can cause symptoms of common infections, like fevers, sniffles, rashes, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhoea.  Germs live and breed in preferred places. They like damp environments such as the toilet or drains and prefer to live on surfaces of toothbrush holders, soap dishes, baths, bath mats shower tray, walls, cooking surfaces ,damp towels & face cloths or where there are high levels of "food" like in drains, bins or floors.

In order to grow they can use just about anything as a food source including skin cells in soap scum around the bath and wash hand basin, food residues on bins and cooking surfaces or even small amounts of mucous from a cough or a sneeze!

The toilet is a particular area of concern to many – as germs can reach very high numbers under the rim and can be spread around the bathroom during flushing. One study has shown that 51% of bacteria on bathroom surfaces originate from human feces!

The toilet seat, flush handles and door knobs are havens for germs because they are in frequent contact with human skin and provide a means for germs to be passed from one person to another without direct contact.

Germs are usually invisible, but when they get to extremely high numbers they can sometimes be detected. Odours from dishclothes, drains and the bottom of the toothbrush holder are usually caused by bacteria. The bad smells are released as they break down their food! 

Spreading
Most germs are spread through the air in sneezes, coughs, or even breaths. Germs can also spread in sweat, saliva, and blood. Some pass from person to person by touching something that is contaminated.
Viruses can also be transmitted via surfaces.

Protection
A targeted approach to hygiene is recommended to eliminate the germs in the hotspots around the home to keep them under control. A few simple changes to your cleaning routine will give you the peace of mind that you are doing the best for yourself and your family. Here are some tips:

Clean the area around the toilet and hand contact sites (flush handle, taps, door handles, walls, cistern, rim of the toilet and floor etc) with a thick disinfectant containing sodium hypo chlorite to destroy the dirt you can see as well as all the germs you can’t. Also leave the cleaning clothes to soak in a solution of thick disinfectant containing sodium hypo chlorite (always read the use instructions on the label). 

Remember also to wash hands frequently to help prevent the spread of germs.

Boil drinking water or use water purifiers

Clean all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking.

Clean food preparation and storage areas with diluted thick disinfectant containing sodium hypo chlorite preferably before and after contact with food.

When a family member is ill, elderly, very young or pregnant, their immune systems are likely to be compromised and they are even more at risk of germs.

Courtesy: Domex (HLL)