Saunas, showers and the change room floor
Fungus grows easily in warm, moist conditions. It's possible to pick up a fungal infection when tiny cracks in your skin come into direct contact with the fungus, like when the bottom of bare feet touch the wet shower or change room floor or when sitting directly on a sauna bench, explains Dr. Michael Libman, director of the division of infectious diseases at McGill University Health Centre in Montreal.
Health hazard: Various types of fungus can cause athlete's foot, nail infection, ringworm in children and jock itch.
Avoid it: Though many gyms clean their facilities twice a day, due to differing health regulations, it's still best to take precautions. Wear flip-flops in the change room and shower, and place a towel on the sauna bench to put a barrier between your skin and these surfaces.
Water bottles
When you drink from a water bottle, your backwash leaves behind normal bacteria that is present in your mouth, according to Dr. Michael Libman, director of the division of infectious diseases at McGill University Health Centre in Montreal. This isn't typically a problem. If you're ill, however, you can also leave behind the virus or bacteria that is causing your symptoms. If you share your bottle with a friend and she takes a swig, she can ingest the virus.
Health hazards: Colds, flu, diarrhea. "Some diarrhea illness is quite contagious, even after the symptoms have resolved," warns Dr. Libman.
Avoid it: Wash water bottles with hot water and soap or in the dishwasher as often as you would a drinking glass.
First published in Chatelaine.com's April 2007 issue.
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