Don’t Let This ‘Bacteria’ RUIN Your Winter

By Jack Taylor Posted December 29, 2021

COVID-19 is still grabbing all the attention and headlines when it comes to viruses and illnesses… and rightfully so! 

But let’s not forget we’re also smack-dab in the middle of cold and flu season… which means people of all ages are still at risk of getting sick from things other than COVID-19. 

Those alone are reason enough to take proactive steps to keep your immune system in tip-top shape this coming winter. 

But if you need another nudge to take steps to stay healthy, THIS IS IT! 

You see, researchers are sounding the alarm about a dangerous, ‘everywhere’ bacteria… and why you could be at serious risk of major health complications if you don’t take steps to keep it away from your body. 

Here’s everything you need to know… and the simple steps you can do to keep yourself safe and healthy this winter. 

Researchers from the University of Houston are reporting that Clostridium difficile (C.diff) – a form of bacteria that causes diarrhea and colon inflammation – is ‘everywhere’ in non-healthcare settings here in the U.S. and around the globe! 

And while C.diff infections may not be a major topics of discussion these days, studies show that this nasty bacteria is responsible for thousands of deaths and nearly half a MILLION infections in the U.S. each year. Numbers that NO ONE wants to be part of! 

Researchers noted that simple, everyday surfaces like the soles of your shoes and countertops are some of the most common ‘carriers’ of C.diff. In fact, they found that nearly 45% of shoe soles tested positive for the bacteria. 

YUCK! 

Fortunately, there are simple, effective ways to slow the spread of C.diff – and it’s advice your mother probably nagged you about when you were a kid…  

Like any virus or bacteria, practicing proper hand washing hygiene is one of the best practices you can use to stop spreading germs. Studies have found that thoroughly washing your hands for 20 seconds eliminates germs and bacteria from your skin… thus reducing your risk of transmitting germs to another person or communal surface. 

It’s also important to take your shoes off when you come into your home – especially after coming in from a highly trafficked public area. The soles of your shoes are a breeding ground for bacteria, and wearing them around your house only increases your chance of germs of being spread all over the place.   

Leaving your shoes outside to ‘vent’ and occasionally wiping the soles of your shoes off with hot water will significantly reduce the amount of germs that go from your shoes to your home.