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PATTY KIM

Published: September 14, 2007

I have a confession to make. I'm a bit of a germophobe.

Things that make my skin crawl include, but are not limited to, turning a restroom door handle, pumping gas, microwaving my lunch at the office, gripping grimy dumbbells at the gym, buying a bottle of water at the vending machine, using someone else's keyboard or phone, grabbing a shopping cart at Publix, resting my head against the dentist's chair, using the ATM …

You know, mundane things no one else would even give a second thought.

It doesn't faze my colleagues anymore when I whip out the disinfecting wipes or go for the hand sanitizer. I'm that girl.

Fortunately, technology has kept up with my insatiable need to defy germs.

Antimicrobials neutralize or inhibit bacteria, viruses and molds. Antibacterials do the same, but only on bacteria. Antiseptics fight bacterial infections on the skin. Disinfectants kill microorganisms on surfaces such as kitchen countertops.

These are all my friends.

Should people sit up and pay more attention to our chaotic world seething with creatures?

"Everywhere, there are a lot of germs, but the germs we are really interested in are called pathogens," says John T. Sinnott, director of Infectious Disease and International Medicine at the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital.

Of the several million germs out there, only 3,000 cause human disease, and, of those, about 20 are common, Sinnott says.

Pathogens have to penetrate our immune system, which isn't easy. The average person has two colds a year and one serious illness every five years.

"Our bodies are designed to not get infected. Otherwise life would be a series of infectious diseases," Sinnott says.

No need to go all Howard Hughes. There are a few sane sanitary practices to keep you healthy.

Basic hygiene does wonders. Always wash your hands before eating. Sinnott says soap and water do the trick, although soap can leave your paws dry, cracked and sore. That's where moisturizer comes in. Studies show that soap with triclosan and other antiseptics is not significantly better than plain soap.

It's also a good idea to lather up before treating a wound; before and after handling raw food, especially meat; after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose; after using the restroom; after having sex; after changing a diaper; and after gardening.

Is there such a thing as overwashing? Not really.

"You should wash your hands a lot because good germs grow more quickly than the bad ones," Sinnott says. "It's hard to wash your hands too much."

Don't discount the ubiquitous and portable hand sanitizer. "On the hands, alcohol-based solutions and gels I think are a wonderful idea," Sinnott says. Just make sure they contain at least 60 percent alcohol, the amount necessary to be effective.

If you're under the weather, Sinnott says, take a sick day. "If someone comes in sick to my office, I send them home. They get better sooner, and they don't make other people sick. Plus, it conveys the message that you care about their health."

Proper coughing etiquette — into your elbow and not your hand — will help contain bugs easily spread through a simple handshake.

Sinnott also stresses that if you're sick, you shouldn't be exercising — you should be resting.

The warm, damp environment of many gyms and health clubs is a breeding ground for microbes. You're vulnerable to staph infections at the gym, Sinnott says, but showering with soap and water immediately after a workout should suffice.

Germs thrive in the kitchen, where vigilance is required. Use separate cutting boards for vegetables and meats, Sinnott recommends. If you're handling raw meat, which often harbors pathogens, wash your board and knife with soap and hot water between cuttings. Always wipe down counters after preparing meals.

It may be impossible to create a sterile environment, but fortunately for me, there is a growing arsenal of products to help combat germs at home, the office and the gym.

BUG BLOCKERS

For the home:

Bath & Body Works Antibacterial Hand Soaps, Gels and Moisturizing Lotions contain cleansing beads, germ killers and nourishing vitamins. They leave hands clean and fresh in scents such as Midnight Pomegranate, Japanese Cherry Blossom, and Brown Sugar and Fig. $4 to $4.50; www.bbw.com

Kleenex Anti-Viral tissues kill 99 percent of cold and flu viruses. The three-ply tissues have a moisture-activated middle layer treated with an antiviral formula. A cough or sneeze triggers the tissue to kill viruses in the tissue within 15 minutes. $1.39 to $1.99; www.kleenex.com

The patent-pending VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer claims to eliminate 99.9 percent of the bacteria that grow on your brush. A germicidal UV bulb — the same kind used in hospitals — sanitizes with the push of a button. It accommodates standard and most electric toothbrush heads. $49.95 for a bathroom unit; $29.95 for a travel unit; www.violight.com

The reversible Williams-Sonoma Antibacterial Cutting Board inhibits bacterial growth. One side is flat for chopping and mincing, and the other has a groove around the perimeter to collect juices from meat. It's dishwasher-safe. $20; www.williams-sonoma.com

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes offer a quick way to disinfect surfaces. Wipe and let sit for 30 seconds to sanitize or four minutes to disinfect. Toss and you're done. www.clorox.com

For the office:

The Paper Mate FlexGrip Elite Pen has antimicrobial protection built into the soft-grip barrel. Price varies by store; www.papermate.com

Fellowes Cordless Keyboard and Mouse Combo incorporates Microban to inhibit the growth of office microbes, as well as stains and odors. The combo works in a 6-foot range, and the scroll mouse uses advanced optical technology. $119.98; www.fellowes.com

Fellowes Gel Wrist Rest and Mouse Pad unit offers the comfort of gel and added Microban protection against bacteria. A durable covering withstands daily wear and tear. $27.99; www.fellowes.com

Purell Hand Sanitizer kills 99.99 percent of the most common illness-causing germs. It contains 62 percent ethyl alcohol. It's simple to use anytime and anywhere, without leaving a sticky residue. Price varies by store; www.purell.com

For the gym:

Harbinger FlexFit all-purpose training gloves, which offer maximum range of motion, have an antimicrobial mesh that bags bacterial growth and reduces odor. The wash-and-dry leather is 100 percent safe for the washer and dryer. The gloves come in men's and women's sizes. $20; www.harbingerfitness.com

HandleBuddies handle and hand-grip covers eliminate skin-to-surface contact. Just fasten around fitness equipment and go. The washable HandleBuddies come with a carrying pouch. $20; www.handlebuddies.com

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