How sure are you that after cleaning there are no bacteria or viruses lingering somewhere in your home? Our home is our comfort zone and where we spend most of our day in. Keeping it clean, disinfected and tidy must be hard but if you want to prevent you and your loved one from getting sick, you might need to start with it real quick. We listed down the most common bacteria and we also included the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 for you to know them better.
Types of Bacteria
1. Proteobacterium
If a man is a dog’s best friend, it is Proteobacterium that is a dog’s best friend. Every time your dog comes into your house, expect them to bring this bacterium with them. Proteobacterium comes from the group that causes whooping cough.
2. Streptococcus mutans
Every morning after you wake up and every night before you sleep you often brush your teeth. Aside from preventing cavities from eating your teeth, brushing also helps remove this bacterium away. It can also be transported to the bathroom especially when we drool in our pillowcase at night.
3. Lactobacillus
This one is what most of us are familiar with. It is included in some processed foods such as cheese, sour cream and any kind of thickened milk. This is the bacteria that causes the milk to become thick. Some Lactobacillus are also mixed with milk and are good for the digestive system. Its acidification helps kill off or inhibit the growth of other bacteria.
4. Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria
I bet you are familiar about Mycobacteria, which is often associated with tuberculosis. We also have non-tuberculous mycobacteria which often resides in the shower or on the shower curtains as well.
5. Pseudomonas
The kitchen is almost the most important part of the house (and should be the cleanest!). But this place also hides a dark secret and that is because it is a home for the Pseudomonas, especially the sink! Most strains of this bacteria do not cause a problem but one, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is a powerful bacterium that causes a serious infection when a person is infected. It is one of the most hated bacteria as there are only selected antibiotics that can work against it.
6. E-Coli
This one is also a resident in our home. It can be found almost everywhere and on any surface. Sometimes, it can also be found on fruits and vegetables and that is why washing them prior to consumption should be given greatest importance. It comes from the family of Enterobacteriaceae which is known for causing food poisoning and diarrhea.
7. Micrococcus Bacteria
Most of this type of bacteria is harmless but can be deadly for people who have poor immune system. This bacterium can be found on dust, dairy products, beer and even the skin.
8. Bacteroidaceae
It is not a surprise to find a fecal bacteria inside the bathroom. Honestly, they traveled long before they found themselves to be on the outside world. Usage of chemical cleaners helps wiping them out, but a few often survive. Since the environment inside the bathroom is moist and oxygen-poor, they are more likely to multiply as this is their natural habitat.
The Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19
With the ongoing pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. It is important to get to know this virus for us to better understand how this virus works and prevent ourselves and our family from being infected with this deadly virus. This virus was first reported in the city of Wuhan, China late last year which caused a massive epidemic in China and quickly spread across 70 other countries in the world causing the current pandemic.
The coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease that primarily present as a case of mild to moderate respiratory illness and most of the patients recover without requiring treatments. For the high-risk people such as the elderly and those who have known co-morbidity such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and patients with immunosuppressive disorders, they are more likely to develop the severe type of this disease.
The virus spread quickly through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when a person infected with the virus sneezes or coughs. It may also stay for long hours in the air causing it to easily infect people. Here are some symptoms that you might take note of to see if you may or may not have the virus:
Most common symptoms:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Fatigability
Less common symptoms:
- Body aches and pains
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea
- Conjunctivitis
- Loss of taste or smell
- Headache
- Rash on skin and discoloration of fingers or toes.
If you are currently experience these symptoms, immediately go to your doctor to seek consult. There is no vaccine yet available for the coronavirus, but some medications were proven to be effective in lessening the symptoms an infected person is experiencing. To prevent spread of the virus, let us continue social distancing, proper and frequent hand washing, practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette and lastly, do not go out if you don’t have anything important to do. STAY AT HOME.
Clean and Disinfect yourself and your Home
With the government slowly loosening the Covid-19 restrictions across the country, British people are able to move around freely. The coronavirus is still a threat, majority of the industries needs to open and continue to serve the people. It is more important now to still continue with social distancing, wearing of mask and maintain proper cleaning habits on yourself and even at home. To keep you, your family and your home virus-free take note of the following:
- Always wash your hand before and after holding anything. Usage of hand sanitizer is no substitute to washing hands.
- Clean and disinfect your home at least once daily just to be safe. Always assume that you have had contact with a person infected outside your home.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces like the doorknobs, tables, kitchen counter, faucets, light switches and remote controls. These items are held or touched more than once a day and can easily cause spread of the virus if not properly disinfected.