We all have habits, but some of them can be harmful to ourselves and everyone around us. Germs are everywhere, and they can spread quickly through our daily actions. Here are ten unhealthy habits that can encourage the spread of germs:.

1. Not Washing Your Hands

Did you know that many diseases and illnesses are passed through our hands? That’s right, dirty hands are one of the biggest culprits in spreading germs.

When you don’t wash your hands, you are putting yourself and others at risk for catching something contagious. Make sure to always wash your hands before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom, and after touching anything that may be contaminated.

2. Not Covering Your Mouth When You Cough or Sneeze

Coughing or sneezing into the air can spread germs up to six feet away. That’s why it’s important to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, ideally with a tissue.

If one’s not available, coughing or sneezing into the elbow or arm can also help reduce the spread of germs.

3. Not Cleaning Your Phone or Computer Keyboard

Do you take your phone everywhere, including the bathroom? Do you eat at your desk and use your keyboard with your greasy fingers? These are habits that can spread germs, as both your phone and computer keyboard can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat. To prevent this, make sure to regularly clean your phone and computer equipment.

4. Eating Food that’s Past its Expiration Date

Expired food can harbor millions of bacteria and can have serious consequences to those who consume it. Eating food that’s past its expiration date is a common habit that can encourage the spread of germs.

Make sure to check the expiration date on all food products before consuming them.

5. Touching Your Face Frequently

Our face has numerous entrances that are prone to germs, such as our nose, mouth, and eyes. When we touch our face frequently, we’re essentially inviting bacteria in and increasing our chances of catching something contagious.

Try to avoid touching your face throughout the day.

6. Not Cleaning Your Home or Workplace

Germs are everywhere, but they tend to flourish in places that aren’t cleaned frequently. If you don’t clean your home or workplace regularly, you could be allowing germs to thrive.

Make sure to clean all surfaces, including doorknobs, countertops, and toilets, at least once a week.

7. Not Washing Your Towels and Washcloths Frequently Enough

Like other surfaces, towels can harbor bacteria and germs if they aren’t washed frequently. When you use a towel to dry off after a shower, you’re essentially wiping bacteria all over your body.

Make sure to wash your towels and washcloths frequently, ideally every week.

8. Not Changing Your Bed Sheets Often Enough

Our bed sheets can harbor germs if we don’t wash them often enough. We spend a third of our lives sleeping, making it the perfect environment for germs to grow.

Make sure to change your bed sheets every one or two weeks, depending on how often you sweat, to prevent the spread of germs.

9. Not Properly Cooking Food

Cooking food properly is crucial to killing off any potential bacteria or germs that may be present. If food isn’t cooked thoroughly, you could be ingesting bacteria that could cause food poisoning or other illnesses.

Make sure to cook all food, especially any kind of meat, to the recommended temperature.

10. Going to Work or School When You’re Sick

When you go to work or school when you’re sick, you’re increasing the risk of spreading your germs to others. Many illnesses are highly contagious, and sharing a confined space with others can increase the chances of others getting sick.

Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to prevent the spread of germs.