Doctor-Recommended Tips to Avoid Germs During Social Distancing

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered the way we interact with the world around us. One of the most effective measures in preventing the spread of the virus—and many other infectious agents—is social distancing. However, avoiding physical proximity is only part of the equation. Germs are ubiquitous, and understanding how to minimize your exposure to them while practicing social distancing is crucial for maintaining your health.

As a healthcare professional, I want to share eight essential tips to help you avoid germs while you're practicing social distancing. These tips are not only based on medical research but are also practical and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

1. Understand the Importance of Hand Hygiene

Washing your hands is the most fundamental way to prevent the spread of germs. While social distancing limits your exposure to others, it doesn’t eliminate the risk of encountering contaminated surfaces. Germs can survive on surfaces for varying periods, depending on the material. For example, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive on plastic and stainless steel for up to three days.

Tip: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, touching surfaces like doorknobs, handrails, or elevator buttons. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.

Why It Matters: Proper hand hygiene reduces the chance of transferring germs from your hands to your face, where they can enter your body through the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Source: CDC Guidelines on Hand Hygiene - https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/index.html

2. Be Mindful of High-Touch Surfaces

Even when practicing social distancing, you may still come into contact with high-touch surfaces that can harbor germs. These include door handles, shopping carts, elevator buttons, and ATM machines.

Tip: Carry disinfectant wipes with you and use them to clean surfaces before touching them. Alternatively, use a tissue or your elbow to push buttons or open doors. Avoid directly touching your face after contact with these surfaces until you can wash or sanitize your hands.

Why It Matters: High-touch surfaces are hotspots for germs because they are frequently touched by many people throughout the day. Disinfecting these surfaces reduces the likelihood of picking up germs.

Source: WHO Advice for the Public - https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

3. Maintain Clean Personal Belongings

Your personal belongings, such as your phone, wallet, keys, and even your reusable water bottle, can become carriers for germs. These items often come into contact with contaminated surfaces and then are handled frequently throughout the day.

Tip: Clean and disinfect your personal items regularly. For electronics, use disinfectant wipes that are safe for use on screens. For other items, consider wiping them down with alcohol-based wipes or a cloth dampened with disinfectant.

Why It Matters: Your personal belongings are extensions of your hands. Keeping them clean minimizes the transfer of germs from these items to your skin.

Source: EPA List N Disinfectants - https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/about-list-n-disinfectants-coronavirus-covid-19-0

4. Practice Respiratory Hygiene

Even with social distancing, it’s important to maintain good respiratory hygiene. Coughing or sneezing can release droplets that contain germs, which can then settle on surfaces or be inhaled by others.

Tip: Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue immediately and wash your hands. If you are wearing a mask, replace it if it becomes wet or soiled.

Why It Matters: Proper respiratory hygiene helps prevent the spread of germs, not only to others but also to yourself by minimizing the contamination of your hands and nearby surfaces.

Source: Mayo Clinic on Respiratory Hygiene - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-mask/art-20485449

5. Use Contactless Payment Methods

Handling cash or even physical credit cards can increase your exposure to germs. Cash, in particular, can pass through many hands, making it a potential vector for transmission.

Tip: Whenever possible, use contactless payment methods such as mobile payments or tap-to-pay credit cards. These methods reduce the need for physical contact with payment terminals and cash.

Why It Matters: Reducing the need to touch potentially contaminated surfaces minimizes your risk of picking up germs.

Source: Harvard Health on Payment Methods - https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog...ugh-contactless-payment-methods-2020032419224

6. Mind Your Mask Hygiene

Wearing a mask is a critical component of preventing the spread of COVID-19, especially in situations where maintaining social distancing is difficult. However, masks can also become contaminated if not handled properly.

Tip: Avoid touching the front of your mask when wearing it, as this area may be contaminated. When removing your mask, handle it by the ear loops or ties. Wash cloth masks regularly, and replace disposable masks after each use.

Why It Matters: Proper mask hygiene ensures that you do not transfer germs from the mask to your hands or face, which could lead to infection.

Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine on Mask Hygiene - https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/hea.../coronavirus-face-masks-what-you-need-to-know

7. Practice Social Distancing Even Indoors

While outdoor settings are generally safer due to better ventilation, indoor environments can still pose risks, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Germs can linger in the air and on surfaces, increasing the risk of transmission.

Tip: When indoors, maintain a distance of at least six feet from others, even if you are wearing a mask. Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors, or using air purifiers with HEPA filters.

Why It Matters: Good ventilation and maintaining distance indoors reduce the concentration of airborne germs and minimize the risk of transmission.

Source: CDC on Indoor Air in Homes and COVID-19 - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/indoor-air.html

8. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle to Boost Immunity

While avoiding germs is critical, strengthening your immune system is equally important. A robust immune system is your body's best defense against infection.

Tip: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support your immune system. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management are also essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Consider supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc if you have any deficiencies, but consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Why It Matters: A strong immune system can help your body fight off germs more effectively, reducing the severity and duration of illness if you do get sick.

Source: Harvard Medical School on Boosting Immunity - https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

Conclusion

Practicing social distancing is an effective way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. However, it’s essential to remember that germs are everywhere, and taking additional precautions can further reduce your risk of exposure. By following these eight tips, you can create a safer environment for yourself and those around you.