We live in a world teeming with microorganisms - tiny omnipresent invaders that are invisible to the naked eye, yet cover nearly every surface that we touch. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, we come into contact with millions of germs that can either support our health or potentially make us ill. So how do we stay healthy (and calm!) while being surrounded by such an onslaught of germs? Let’s take a closer look at the microbes we meet every day, and explore the most effective ways to stay healthy.

Where Are Germs Lurking?

Throughout the day, we unknowingly touch surfaces that are hotspots for germs. We're talking about:

1. Public spaces: Door handles, elevator buttons, shopping carts, and (practically every square inch) of public transport are prime locations where bacteria and viruses thrive.
2. Electronic devices: Our phones, remote controls, tablets, and keyboards, which we touch countless times a day, are breeding grounds for germs. Your own hand is the biggest culprit! Scientists at the University of Arizona found that mobile phones can cultivate ten times more bacteria than a toilet seat, with more than 17,000 bacterial gene copies on the mobile phone of school students. Don't take your phone into the bathroom - when toilets flush they spread germs everywhere, like fecal bacteria and E. coli, and this can end up on your phone.
3. Personal hygiene items: Toothbrushes, towels, and razors can accumulate bacteria and viruses, especially if not properly cleaned or stored in damp environments.
4. Food and kitchens: Kitchen countertops, cutting boards, and even our hands during food preparation can expose us to bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.
5. Bathrooms: Toilet seats, flush handles, faucets, and light switches can feature a variety of bacteria and viruses, including Staphylococcus and influenza.

How Many Germs Do We Meet Every Day?

While it’s difficult to quantify the exact number of germs we interact with daily, some estimates suggest that we come into contact with over 60,000 types of bacteria every day. Studies have shown that a single swipe of a door handle can expose us to hundreds of thousands of bacteria, and a cough from a person can release millions of viral particles into the air. Our skin, which is the body’s largest organ, serves as the first line of defence, but it, too, is home to billions of bacteria—many of which are beneficial and help maintain our health.

Viruses vs. Bacteria: What’s the Difference?

To understand the risks associated with germs, it’s important to differentiate between viruses and bacteria:

• Bacteria: These are single-celled organisms that can live in various environments. While some bacteria are harmful and cause illnesses like strep throat and urinary tract infections, others are beneficial. Good bacteria, such as those found in the gut, aid in digestion and protect against harmful invaders.

• Viruses: Viruses cause diseases such as the common cold, flu, and COVID-19. They're smaller than bacteria and require a host cell to survive and replicate and, unlike bacteria, viruses are not considered "living" organisms since they can't reproduce on their own.

How to Protect Yourself from Germs

Not all germs are the bad guys - some can be hugely beneficial - so we don't want to eliminate germs from our environment. But there are steps we can take to reduce exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses:

1. Hand Hygiene

This old chestnut - regular and thorough hand washing - is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (that's Happy Birthday twice through) especially after using the loo, before eating, and after being in public places. Otherwise, grab an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. At Leapfrog, we like Aesop's Resurrection Rinse Free Hand Wash.   

2. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces

Don't forget to clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, and electronics. 

3. Lather Up

Shower or bathe daily to reduce the buildup of bacteria on your skin. Wash your clothes regularly and change them after sweating or after being in high-traffic and polluted areas.

4. Avoid Touching Your Face

Viruses like the flu or COVID-19 can easily gain entry to your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. Try to avoid touching your face, especially when you’re in public spaces or after touching potentially germy surfaces.

5. Boost Your Immune System

Leapfrog IMMUNE is like your body's bouncer. Its hero ingredient Lactoferrin already exists within you, standing guard at the entry points, ready to quash viruses and bacteria as they appear. Lactoferrin also binds to healthy cells at the same site where viruses need to dock in order to dominate the cell, in effect blocking viral attachment. Packed with 250mg of Lactoferrin per chewable tablet, Leapfrog IMMUNE is an extra power punch of immune support just when you need it.

7. Catch It. Bin It. Kill It.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent spreading germs through the air. Throw away used tissues immediately and wash your hands or use hand sanitiser afterwards.

Do All Germs Make Us Sick?

Not all germs are harmful, and in fact, some play vital roles in maintaining our health. The human body is home to trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, many of which form part of our microbiome—the collection of microorganisms that live in and on our bodies. A healthy microbiome helps with digestion, strengthens the immune system, and even influences mental health.

Overexposure to harsh disinfectants or antibiotics can disrupt the balance of this microbiome, leading to antibiotic resistance or other health issues, so it's important to strike a balance between good hygiene and over sanitisation.

Remember, exposure to some germs is unavoidable and can even help build our immune system over time. So rather than living in fear of bacteria and viruses, having some simple hygiene and immunity supporting rituals will keep you healthy and resilient.