The next time you think about reaching for that samosa or jalebi after touching the fridge or the kitchen surface, think again. A new study from The Global Hygiene Council (GHC) 2013 has revealed that the dirtiest surfaces worldwide rank in the order of bathroom and kitchen seals as most infected followed by fridge interior, kitchen towel, kettle handle among others. The study which surveyed 1800 adults across 18 countries including India shows 76 per cent of adults are concerned about themselves and their families contracting infectious diseases and biggest infectious disease concern across world in seasonal flu. However the level of concern towards hygiene varies greatly between countries. Indians seems to be the most concerned with 95 per cent compared to Germans who clock up 54 per cent. India representative, GHC Narendra Saini said that they did the survey to find what people think about infections.
“In India people are concerned about illness that cause seasonal colds (47.3 %), skin infections (37.1%) and seasonal flu (31.9 %)” shared Saini. In comparison, Britons are concerned about stomach upset (42%), diarrhoea and vomiting (33%) and staph infection (30%). He explained the three ways of getting infections is mouth, nose eyes and sometimes urethra and anus. Saini said that a lot of Indians feel that if hygiene is not maintained then their health will get affected in long term.
Saini mentioned how one can avoid getting infections by following some standard habits like washing hands paying attention to the tips of the fingers properly with soap and water ideally for 10 to 15 seconds after returning home or using the bathroom or touching door knobs. “Surfaces of kitchen, bathrooms and door knobs which might look clean but not hygienic should be cleaned with disinfectants” advised Saini.
He said that washing hands, including tips of fingers, backside of hand properly with soap and water ideally for 10 to 15 seconds after returning home or coming out from bathroom will reduce infections. “Surfaces of kitchen, bathrooms and door knobs which might look clean but not hygienic should be cleaned with disinfectants” advised Saini.