26 27 28 How many nasty germs are lurking in your home?

YUK FACTOR!

Normally it’s in the healthy human gut, in poo, the mouth and skin – however, if inhaled it can cause serious lung infections.

Potential diseases caused: Pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, brain abcesses, fatal sepsis and meningitis.

It’s the second most common cause of urinary tract infections in older people.

BEAT THE BUGS

Clean it: You should wash your reusable shopping bags in the washing machine once a week. Wash on a cool setting and let them dry fully before using them again.

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Potential diseases caused: Can trigger respiratory and urine infections in people with weakened immune systems. One of the most difficult bacteria to control with antibiotics.

BEAT THE BUGS

Clean it: Tests have shown reusable water bottles need washing after every use to prevent bacteria build-up – in the dishwasher, or better still with a very weak bleach solution.

Replace it: Stainless steel is a better choice than plastic if you’re buying a new bottle as it’s a more sterile material.

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Enterobacter cloacae.

Commonly found in: It’s one of the normal healthy gut flora in people and commonly found in poo.

Potential diseases caused: If it travels from the gut to the lungs or bladder, it can trigger urinary and respiratory infections, and even meningitis.

BEAT THE BUGS

Clean it: Twice weekly, leave it to stand for two minutes in a cup filled with an inch of antibacterial mouthwash.

Replace it: Every three months you should change your toothbrush or toothbrush head. A study last year found 60% of toothbrushes had poo bacteria on. Always flush the toilet with the lid down, as bugs can travel as far as 4ft away. How old? 1 year.

How often washed? Put through the dishwasher after every use.

Tested positive for: Enterobacter cloacae and Serratia odorifera.

Commonly found in: Plants and hospitals.

Potential diseases caused: Responsible for about 2% of cases of septicaemia (blood poisoning), lung infections and urinary infections in adults.

BEAT THE BUGS

Clean it: Wash immediately after use, taking all the lid comp onents apart and scrubbing. A report last year found a dishwasher cycle wasn’t enough to remove bugs from the inside of lids on toddler cups. Several manufacturers have responded by making lids easier to open and clean inside.

YUK FACTOR!