As cold and flu season approaches, pharmacies, often overlooked, are becoming potential breeding grounds for germs, according to health experts. Supriya Rao, a gastroenterologist, highlighted that the majority of individuals visiting pharmacies are either ill or have been in contact with someone who is sick. This increases the likelihood of germs being transferred to frequently touched surfaces.
Microbiologist Jason Tetro, also known as "The Germ Guy," explained that people often do not view pharmacies as healthcare facilities, despite the higher concentration of sick individuals. He emphasized that even brief interactions, such as touching a surface, can lead to germ transfer. "The minute that you touch something, there’s going to be transfer," Tetro warned.
Common culprits for germ transmission in pharmacies include sign-in screens, touchpads for blood pressure monitors, door handles, and payment terminals. These surfaces can harbor a variety of pathogens, including fecal bacteria, common cold viruses, COVID viruses, and rhinovirus, which can persist for extended periods. Rao noted that these public surfaces are particularly susceptible to contamination.
To mitigate the risk of infection, experts recommend using hand sanitizer immediately after touching shared surfaces within a pharmacy. While handwashing is the most effective method, hand sanitizer serves as a crucial alternative when immediate washing is not possible. Rao suggests that using sanitizer on the go provides a valuable layer of protection, with thorough handwashing upon returning home offering an additional safeguard.
Tetro advised on the proper use of hand sanitizer, recommending that hands be thoroughly covered with a quarter-sized amount and rubbed for at least 15 seconds to ensure maximum effectiveness. "It takes you 15 seconds of your time to give you a lot of protection," he stated.