Hygiene

Hygiene is an important topic for us CFler. Germs lurk at many corners, which can have devastating consequences, especially for us. Especially where water is present, we have to be careful. No matter how attentive we are, it can still happen that we pick up something unwanted. However, the risk can be quite minimized if we take certain measures.

Water, here lies the danger

Especially where there is water there is danger for us. The best known and most feared wet germs are the Pseudomonas, various fungi like Scedosporium and the Stenotrophomonas. All of them can cause severe infections of the respiratory tract. Water means here not only lakes and rivers, but everywhere where it can be damp. e.g. in the kitchen, the sink and the rag, in the bath the shower, earth, sand boxes, bottles, fridge etc. These germs feel at home where it is moist for a longer time. A few tips from everyday life: 

  • Always use a new cleaning cloth and washcloth.
  • Clean your toothbrush well and replace it regularly.
  • Disinfect your bathroom and kitchen regularly, especially around the sink.
  • Do not drink from an older water bottle. My rule: 24h is ok, everything about it is not drunk anymore.
  • If you work with soil, use disposable gloves and a disposable breathing mask.
  • Avoid indoor swimming pools. If these are not sufficiently maintained with chlorine, they are a pure holiday oasis for germs.
  • Dry your laundry in the tumbler or in the air.

Water, here lies the danger

Especially where there is water there is danger for us. The best known and most feared wet germs are the Pseudomonas, various fungi like Scedosporium and the Stenotrophomonas. All of them can cause severe infections of the respiratory tract. Water means here not only lakes and rivers, but everywhere where it can be damp. e.g. in the kitchen, the sink and the rag, in the bath the shower, earth, sand boxes, bottles, fridge etc. These germs feel at home where it is moist for a longer time. A few tips from everyday life: 

  • Always use a new cleaning cloth and washcloth.
  • Clean your toothbrush well and replace it regularly.
  • Disinfect your bathroom and kitchen regularly, especially around the sink.
  • Do not drink from an older water bottle. My rule: 24h is ok, everything about it is not drunk anymore.
  • If you work with soil, use disposable gloves and a disposable breathing mask.
  • Avoid indoor swimming pools. If these are not sufficiently maintained with chlorine, they are a pure holiday oasis for germs.
  • Dry your laundry in the tumbler or in the air.

Further hygiene measures

  • Hospitals are like a disco. Many germs of different origins in one heap. They dance together and wait only until we, the taxi home, come to pick them up. So I recommend that you always wear a mask and disinfect your hands. I know it looks stupid, but to protect you and the other visitors it is only a small effort. 
  • The 3 second rule for food and pills falling to the ground does not necessarily apply. I wouldn't bother with it at home, but if it happens to you in a public or dirty place, throw it away.
  • Clean the equipment you need for your therapy regularly. Simply washing them out does not help in most cases. Put them in a disinfectant solution or cook them with a special cooker. I do this daily to destroy the germs immediately.
  • Bring a small bottle of disinfectant each time you go outside. Can be very helpful.
  • Public showers in sports centres and elsewhere are not recommended at all. Some of them are poorly cleaned and are a great source of germs. Avoid them if possible. If not possible, disinfect your hands after showering and do not use the cloth for your face.
  • Plants in the apartment are critical. If then, try to buy hydroponics. These have no soil but small globules and are easy to maintain. 
  • Humidifiers are a pure germ centrifuge. I would advise you not to have one at home. The water remains are an ideal breeding ground for germs, which are then thrown freely into the room.

Further hygiene measures

  • Hospitals are like a disco. Many germs of different origins in one heap. They dance together and wait only until we, the taxi home, come to pick them up. So I recommend that you always wear a mask and disinfect your hands. I know it looks stupid, but to protect you and the other visitors it is only a small effort. 
  • The 3 second rule for food and pills falling to the ground does not necessarily apply. I wouldn't bother with it at home, but if it happens to you in a public or dirty place, throw it away.
  • Clean the equipment you need for your therapy regularly. Simply washing them out does not help in most cases. Put them in a disinfectant solution or cook them with a special cooker. I do this daily to destroy the germs immediately.
  • Bring a small bottle of disinfectant each time you go outside. Can be very helpful.
  • Public showers in sports centres and elsewhere are not recommended at all. Some of them are poorly cleaned and are a great source of germs. Avoid them if possible. If not possible, disinfect your hands after showering and do not use the cloth for your face.
  • Plants in the apartment are critical. If then, try to buy hydroponics. These have no soil but small globules and are easy to maintain. 
  • Humidifiers are a pure germ centrifuge. I would advise you not to have one at home. The water remains are an ideal breeding ground for germs, which are then thrown freely into the room.