In today’s world, staying healthy goes beyond just eating well and exercising—it’s also about avoiding harmful germs that can make you sick. From door handles to smartphones, germs live on the surfaces we touch and in the air we breathe. That’s why the phrase “skip the germs” is more than just a catchy saying—it’s a practical reminder to adopt everyday habits that help protect your health and the health of those around you.
Here’s how you can skip the germs and take control of your environment.
Why Skipping Germs Matters
Germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, are everywhere. While not all germs are harmful, some can cause illnesses like the flu, colds, stomach bugs, and even more serious infections.
Common Ways Germs Spread:
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Touching contaminated surfaces
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Airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes
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Sharing personal items like towels or phones
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Poor hand hygiene
By learning how to skip the germs, you reduce your risk of getting sick—and limit the chance of spreading illness to others.
1. Wash Your Hands (The Right Way)
The single most effective way to skip the germs is handwashing. But it’s not just about doing it—it’s about doing it properly.
Handwashing Tips:
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Use soap and water.
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Scrub for at least 20 seconds (try humming “Happy Birthday” twice).
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Don’t forget between fingers, under nails, and the backs of your hands.
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Dry hands with a clean towel or air dryer.
Use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water aren’t available.
2. Avoid Touching Your Face
Your hands come into contact with countless germs throughout the day. Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth allows those germs to enter your body.
Pro Tip:
Try to stay mindful of unconscious habits like face-touching. Keeping your hands busy (like holding a water bottle or pen) can help reduce the tendency.
3. Sanitize High-Touch Surfaces
Some of the germiest places are the ones we use the most—think smartphones, keyboards, remote controls, and door handles.
What to Sanitize Daily:
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Phone screens
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Desk surfaces
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Kitchen counters
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Light switches
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Elevator buttons
Use disinfectant wipes or sprays that are proven to kill bacteria and viruses.
4. Practice Good Respiratory Hygiene
Sneezing or coughing into your hands? That’s a fast way to spread germs.
Best Practices:
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Always cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.
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Dispose of tissues immediately.
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Wash your hands right after.
Consider wearing a mask if you’re feeling unwell or during cold/flu season to protect those around you.
5. Keep Your Items Personal
Sharing is caring—except when it comes to items like makeup, earphones, water bottles, or towels. These can easily carry bacteria or viruses from one person to another.
Always carry your items and encourage kids to do the same at school or on playdates.
6. Boost Your Immune System Naturally
While the goal is to skip the germs, you also want to be ready to fight them when they get in. A strong immune system makes all the difference.
Immune-Boosting Habits:
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Get 7–9 hours of sleep
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Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
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Stay hydrated
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Exercise regularly
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Manage stress
Consider supplements like vitamin C, zinc, or elderberry—just consult a healthcare provider first.
7. Clean Your Tech
Phones and tablets travel with you all day—and they collect germs from every surface you touch.
How to Clean Devices:
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Use alcohol-based wipes (70% isopropyl alcohol is ideal).
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Turn off devices before cleaning.
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Avoid using water or harsh chemicals.
Cleaning your devices a few times a week is an easy way to skip the germs in your daily routine.
8. Be Mindful in Public Spaces
Public transportation, restrooms, gyms, and elevators are prime locations for germ transmission.
Public Safety Tips:
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Use a tissue or your sleeve to touch buttons or handles.
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Carry travel-sized hand sanitizer.
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Avoid setting bags or purses on public restroom floors.
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Wash your hands after using ATMs or shopping carts.
9. Teach Kids to Skip the Germs
Good hygiene habits start young. Teach children how to properly wash their hands, cover their sneezes, and keep their items clean. Turn it into a game or challenge to keep them engaged.
10. Stay Home When You’re Sick
If you’re unwell, the best way to skip spreading germs is to stay home and rest. Even mild symptoms like a cough or low fever can be contagious. Employers and schools increasingly support flexible policies to encourage health-first decisions.
Final Thoughts: Small Habits, Big Impact
You don’t need a medical degree to skip the germs—just smart, simple daily actions. From washing your hands to keeping your phone clean, these small habits can have a big impact on your overall health and well-being.
In a world where germs are everywhere, staying one step ahead doesn’t just protect you—it helps protect your family, friends, coworkers, and community too.
So next time you head out, sanitize your hands, clean your phone, and remember: skip the germs, not the precautions.
