Latest news with #McDonald'sQuarterPounders'
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
From grey poo to yellow eyes – the 14 signs of hep A infection after shop item leaves 95 Brits sick and 58 hospitalised
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HEALTH officials are racing to track down a supermarket item feared to have sparked a major hepatitis A outbreak that's left nearly 100 Brits ill and 58 in hospital. The highly contagious virus, which attacks the liver, is spread through traces of poo from infected people. 2 It can cause grim symptoms including grey-coloured stools, yellowing eyes, exhaustion and vomiting and in some cases, can even be deadly. Since December 2024, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has logged 54 fresh cases, all suspected to be linked to a mystery item bought from an unnamed supermarket. Two separate 'clusters' of hepatitis A cases have been identified, one of which dates back as far as 2021. The earlier wave saw 19 people hospitalised, mostly aged 50 to 69. While a more recent surge, which began in January 2023 and is still ongoing, has seen 39 more patients struck down so badly they needed urgent treatment. Health bosses say they might have pinpointed a possible food source but have yet to name the product. Though rare in the UK, hepatitis A is highly contagious and often hits hardest in older adults or people with underlying liver issues. That's because the virus attacks the liver and triggers inflammation. It spreads through poor hygiene, contaminated water or food, and close personal contact - including sex. One killed and 10 hospitalized after 'eating McDonald's Quarter Pounders' in horror E. coli outbreak It is particularly common if you have been abroad in parts of the world with bad sanitation, including Africa, South Asia, the far East, Middle East and South America. Men who have sex with men and people who inject drugs are also more likely to catch the infection. Other symptoms of the disease include feeling generally unwell, joint and muscle pain and a high temperature, the NHS says. Losing your appetite, diarrhoea and pain in the upper right part of your tummy could also be a sign of the condition. These are often followed by jaundice, a warning sign your liver is struggling, which can turn your eyes yellow, darken your pee and leave your poo unusually pale. Some people, especially children, may not realise they're infected, as symptoms can be mild and hard to spot. 2 If your eyes or skin become yellow, it could be a sign of the disease Credit: Getty However, hepatitis A can last several months and also be deadly if it causes liver failure - when the organ stops working properly. If you, or your child, has symptoms, your GP can give you a blood test that will confirm an infection if you have it. If you've recently been exposed to the virus, it is also worth being tested. There's no cure, but most people recover within a few months and become immune for life. In the meantime, sufferers are urged to rest, avoid alcohol, and keep scrupulously clean to stop the virus spreading. You can get the virus from eating food made by someone who has not washed their hands properly or from drinking dirty water. Raw or uncooked shellfish from contaminated water or having close contact with someone with the virus can also put you at risk. There are no treatments for Hepatitis A but you can get a vaccine if you are at risk of the disease, which includes travellers, drug users, men who have sex with men, and people with chronic liver problems. Painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to ease some of the symptoms and getting plenty of rest, avoiding alcohol and eating small meals are all recommended. Patients are also encouraged to stick to cool, ventilated environments, wear loose clothing and not take hot baths. If you suffer yellow eyes, you should stay off work or school and avoid having sex for at least a week, according to the NHS. Washing your hands with soap and water regularly is also recommended.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
‘Contaminated' supermarket item is linked to mystery hepatitis outbreak that left 95 Brits ill and 58 hospitalised
Two separate clusters of the virus have been identified HEALTH ALERT 'Contaminated' supermarket item is linked to mystery hepatitis outbreak that left 95 Brits ill and 58 hospitalised Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OFFICIALS are investigating a mysterious surge in hepatitis A cases believed to be linked to a supermarket item. A total of 95 people have been left ill from the outbreak with a further 58 falling so ill they needed to be hospitalised. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The virus affects the liver (stock photo) Credit: Getty 3 Two clusters have been identified with recent cases being reported in March (stock photo) Credit: Getty The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed two separate clusters of the virus have been identified. Officials have received reports of 54 cases since December 2024 and are now investigating the cause of the outbreak. Patient interviews have indicated that the outbreak comes from a specific food item purchased from an unnamed supermarket. A UKHSA report reads: "A particular food item purchased from a particular supermarket has emerged as a possible vehicle of transmission due to its frequent reported consumption." The product has not been named despite officials identifying it as a "possible vehicle of transmission." The first identified cluster saw 19 people hospitalised with the infection that affects the liver. Most of the patients in the first cluster to be identified were between the ages of 50 and 69. The second cluster saw a further 39 people requiring hospitalisation after catching the virus. Cases related to the first cluster were identified between January 2021 and March 2025. The latest wave of infections began in January 2023 with cases still being reported in March this year. One killed and 10 hospitalized after 'eating McDonald's Quarter Pounders' in horror E. coli outbreak No deaths linked to the outbreak have been reported as of yet. Public Health Scotland are leading the investigation alongside the UKHSA. Hepatitis A begins with mild symptoms but can quickly develop into a more serious illness. It causes weakness and fatigue, a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, fever jaundice and abdominal pain. If left untreated the infection can lead to liver failure and can even be fatal. 3 The outbreaks have been linked to a food item Credit: Getty Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A isn't known to cause chronic liver disease. Symptoms tend to develop within two months of infection but can go undetected for longer. The NHS warns that children and some adults may have no symptoms. In less extreme cases the virus usually clears up on its own within six months but doctors can prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms. The UKHSA is continuing to investigate the recent outbreaks with an unnamed food item from an unnamed supermarket identified as a possible cause. UKHSA officials have not stated the name of supermarket, or the food item. The UKHSA report reads: "Given the reported lack of international travel in most cases, and implicated food items, further investigations into the possible sources of these clusters are in progress to inform control measures." The UKHSA has been contacted for comment.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
‘Contaminated' supermarket item is linked to mystery hepatitis outbreak that left 95 Brits ill and 58 hospitalised
OFFICIALS are investigating a mysterious surge in hepatitis A cases believed to be linked to a supermarket item. A total of 95 people have been left ill from the Advertisement 3 The virus affects the liver (stock photo) Credit: Getty 3 Two clusters have been identified with recent cases being reported in March (stock photo) Credit: Getty The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed two separate clusters of the virus have been identified. Officials have received reports of 54 cases since December 2024 and are now investigating the cause of the outbreak. Patient interviews have indicated that the outbreak comes from a specific food item purchased from an A UKHSA report reads: "A particular food item purchased from a particular supermarket has emerged as a possible vehicle of transmission due to its frequent reported consumption." Advertisement The product has not been named despite officials identifying it as a "possible vehicle of transmission." The first identified cluster saw 19 people Most of the patients in the first cluster to be identified were between the ages of 50 and 69. The second cluster saw a further 39 people requiring hospitalisation after catching the Advertisement Most read in Health Comment Exclusive Cases related to the first cluster were identified between January 2021 and March 2025. The latest wave of infections began in January 2023 with cases still being reported in March this year. One killed and 10 hospitalized after 'eating McDonald's Quarter Pounders' in horror E. coli outbreak No deaths linked to the outbreak have been reported as of yet. Advertisement Hepatitis A begins with mild symptoms but can quickly develop into a more serious illness. It causes weakness and fatigue, a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, fever jaundice and abdominal pain. If left untreated the 3 The outbreaks have been linked to a food item Credit: Getty Advertisement Unlike hepatitis B and C, hepatitis A isn't known to cause chronic liver disease. Symptoms tend to develop within two months of infection but can go undetected for longer. The NHS warns that children and some adults may have no symptoms. In less extreme cases the virus usually clears up on its own within six months but doctors can prescribe medication to alleviate symptoms. Advertisement The UKHSA is continuing to investigate the recent outbreaks with an unnamed food item from an unnamed supermarket identified as a possible cause. UKHSA officials have not stated the name of supermarket, or the food item. Read more on the Irish Sun The UKHSA report reads: "Given the reported lack of international travel in most cases, and implicated food items, further investigations into the possible sources of these clusters are in progress to inform control measures." The UKHSA has been contacted for comment. Advertisement The symptoms of hepatitis A you need to be aware of Symptoms of Hepatitis A can include jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, dark-coloured urine and itchy skin. This is because when your liver isn't working properly, it stops being able to get rid of bilirubin, a substance that causes There may be earlier flu-like symptoms including mild fever, joint and muscle pain, feeling and being sick, diarrhoea and stomach pain. Losing your appetite, feeling or being sick and pain in the upper right part of your tummy could also be a sign of the condition. Not everyone infected will have all these symptoms. Anyone with suspected hepatitis A infection should contact their GP and remain at home, until their GP advises their return to school or the workplace. It is an unpleasant illness but is not usually serious and most people make a full recovery in two months. However, it can last several months and also be deadly if it causes More information on hepatitis A can be found on the
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 8 household items harbouring germs that could kill you – or give you bloody diarrhoea, warts and boils
WE all know that maintaining good hygiene is important to stop us from picking up bugs and getting ill. But even if you are the biggest fan of hand sanitiser or you're regularly seen parading a bottle of surface spray and a cloth, you might be missing a trick when it comes to keeping clean. 9 There are actually several items in your house - perhaps even in your vicinity right now - that could be harbouring a serious number of germs. And these tiny pathogens can cause everything from boils to bloody diarrhoea. In very rare cases, they can even be fatal. Dr Martin Thornton, chief medical officer at Bluecrest, tells Sun Health: 'Many of the items below probably seem harmless but they can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mould. 'Over time, this can have a bigger impact on your long-term health than you might realise.' Are you the victim of any of these germ-ridden household items? We reveal eight of the worst offenders… 1. Your kitchen sponge 9 WHEN did you last replace the soggy sponge that lingers by your kitchen sink? If it wasn't in the last week, you might want to buy a new one ASAP because they hold onto moisture and quickly breed bacteria. Research published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that a cubic centimetre of a kitchen sponge - about the size of a pea - can contain millions of bacteria, making it one of the dirtiest items in a typical household. This includes E. coli, salmonella and staphylococcus, according to a study by Justus–Liebig–University Giessen. Most strains are harmless, but some can lead to problems like stomach cramps, skin infections, boils, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). One killed and 10 hospitalized after 'eating McDonald's Quarter Pounders' in horror E. coli outbreak Also watch out for faecal matter. The National Sanitation Foundation found more than 75 per cent of dish sponges and rags had faecal matter, compared to nine per cent of bathroom taps. Instead of classic sponges, Siobhán Carroll, a naturopath and herbalist for suggests silicone scrubbers that dry quickly and don't allow bacteria to live on them. 'Or use more old-school dishcloths,' she adds. 'These are great because you can get natural materials such as cotton. 'Simply pop them in the washing machine at the end of the day and take a new one out the next morning. 'With about seven or eight cloths, you can easily interchange them throughout the week this way!' 2. Your reusable water bottle 9 IF you use your water bottle every day, it should really be washed every day, Dr Thornton says. 'Drinking bottles can harbour bacteria like E. coli and staphylococcus, which could potentially lead to recurring tummy bugs or low-level infections,' he adds. 'While one-off exposures aren't likely to impact you long-term, repeated infections could put pressure on your immune system and make you more likely to pick up illnesses. 'This is particularly true if you're already managing an existing or underlying health condition.' 3. Your mobile phone 9 OUR phones are pretty much an extension of our hands these days. But that means they are collecting germs non-stop throughout the day. 'Although it's not something to panic about, be aware that the germs that build up on phones can potentially make us ill,' says Siobhán. 'Mobile phones pick up bacteria, viruses and even fungal spores as they travel everywhere with us, from worktops to handbags, trains to toilets. 'When you then hold your phone to your face, or tap away and eat a snack without washing your hands, you're giving those germs a free ride into your body.' Our immune systems usually do a great job of keeping us protected. But Siobhán says there are times, like when you're run-down, stressed or not eating well, that those microbes can take hold. How deadly can bacteria be? SALMONELLA Salmonella can cause stomach cramps, diarrhoea and a fever, which can last up to a week. In rare cases, it can infect the urine, blood, bones, joints and nervous system, and can result in reactive arthritis known as Reiter's syndrome. It is not usually fatal. The UK recorded 57 deaths due to the infection in 2017 and 2018, according to data compiled by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). In 2019, there were 8,398 cases, down from 8,838 the year before. E. COLI E. coli are a diverse group of bacteria that are normally harmless and live in the intestines of humans and animals. However, some strains produce toxins such as STEC that can make people very ill, including stomach cramps and fever and about 50 per cent of cases having bloody diarrhoea. Some patients, mainly children, may develop hemolytic uraemic syndrome, which is a serious life-threatening condition resulting in kidney failure. One person died and hundreds fell ill in an outbreak in England linked to contaminated lettuce last year. STAPHYLOCOCCUS Staphylococcus causes staph infections, which most often affect the skin. They can cause painful red lumps, boils and abscesses, as well as hot, swollen skin, sores, crusts and blisters, and red eyes or eyelids. Staph bacteria can also cause more serious infections, like blood poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. From 2022 to 2023, there were 13,125 confirmed cases of bacteraemia caused by methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus reported in England, and 2,837 deaths. A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that 16 per cent of mobile phones were contaminated with E. coli, indicating faecal contamination from poor hand hygiene. The University of Arizona even discovered that phones carry 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, including norovirus and gonorrhoea. 'If your phone is harbouring staphylococcus, or any other bacteria and you touch your mouth, eyes or nose, there's a chance you could end up with an upset stomach, skin infection or a bout of sniffles if your immune system is not up to the job of clearing the pathogen before symptoms arise,' Siobhán says. Remember: wash hands regularly, avoid using your phone while eating, and give your device a gentle clean every now and then. 'And yes, let's all agree to stop bringing it into the loo,' adds Siobhán. 4. Your shower loofah 9 IT'S likely that you haven't given your shower loofah a second thought, until now. 'Loofahs are full of crevices that could be home to bacteria or mould,' Dr Thorton says. 'When these are used on broken skin, you could be setting yourself up for chronic skin conditions or recurrent skin infections.' This could be thanks to E. coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria, according to Cleveland Clinic - but loofahs can also carry fungal organisms. While health problems from your loofah might be rare, introducing these things to the bloodstream through tiny cuts could lead to serious infections in more vulnerable people, Dr Thornton warns. That's why it's vital to change your shower puff every three to four weeks. 5. Your computer keyboard 9 YOU might overlook your keyboard when doing the weekly clean, but Siobhán says that they are hotspots for harbouring crumbs, dust and bacteria accumulated from our fingertips. 'Bacteria like E. coli and viruses such as norovirus can survive on hard surfaces like keyboards for hours, sometimes even days,' she warns. 'The risk of getting sick from your keyboard is relatively low if your overall health and immunity are in good shape. 'The bigger issue comes when people touch their face or eat at their desk without washing their hands as that's when the transfer can really happen.' Research by the University of Arizona found that the average desktop computer carries 400 times more germs than a toilet seat. And according to a study by Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, some of these can survive for up to 24 hours on a keyboard. Rather than stress about germs, give your keyboard a wipe with a disinfectant specifically made for electronics. You may also want to consider silicone keyboard covers that are easier to clean. 6. Your reusable shopping bags 9 ALTHOUGH good for the environment, reusable shopping bags could harm our health as they rarely, if ever, get washed. 'Frozen or chilled food can leave your bags moist, often with little bits of food that can go mouldy,' says Siobhán. 'Even when you shake the bits of food out of the bag, invisible bacteria and mould particles can remain.' In 2017, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned that 'bags for life' can spread deadly food poisoning bacteria if they are used to carry raw meat and fish. And there was evidence to suggest that bugs like listeria, campylobacter and salmonella - which can cause stomach bugs - could survive on the bags, regardless of the material, for up to 21 days. Thankfully, giving reusable bags a deep clean every now and then should be enough to get rid of germs, Siobhán says. 'If you are someone with a really compromised immune system then biodegradable single-use bags could be helpful,' she adds. 7. Your pet 9 WE cuddle them, kiss them and often let them into our beds. But have you ever considered the unseen germs that pets can bring into your home? 'Pets' fur, collars and toys can carry bacteria, transferring it to various surfaces in your home,' says Siobhán. 'Unlike our own bedding, pet beds also aren't washed or changed nearly as often and can harbour lots of germs.' Research by Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences found household pets can spread norovirus, rabies, pasteurella, salmonella, brucella, yersinia enterocolitica, campylobacter, capnocytophaga, bordetella bronchiseptica, coxiella burnetii, leptospira, staphylococcus intermedius, and MRSA - a major cause of fatal infection in humans. These can cause everything from coughs, headaches and vomiting, to internal bleeding, back pain and even endocarditis - a rare and potentially fatal infection of the inner lining of the heart. The dirtiest room in your house WHEN thinking about what room in your house is dirtiest, your mind probably goes to the bathroom. It's where we go to the loo and wash off the day's dirt, after all. But according to experts, the grimiest spot in your home is actually your kitchen. They say the space where you prepare your food is riddled with germ-laden items - all of which are grubbier than a toilet seat. The National Sanitation Foundation, a global public health and safety organisation, tested 30 surfaces in 22 homes to measure levels of yeast, salmonella, mould, and staph germs. Toilet seats didn't even rank in the top 10 grimiest household articles. Instead, it was kitchen items that featured most heavily in the list, and ranked the highest too. This included: dish sponges and dish cloths, kitchen sinks, toothbrush holders, pet bowls, coffee makers, bathroom faucet handles, pet toys, kitchen counters, stove knobs and cutting boards. Pets can also carry pollen and dust, potentially triggering hay fever symptoms. It's not all doom and gloom though. Research in the British Medical Journal Evidence-Based Medicine suggests that early exposure to pet microbes may lower the risk of developing asthma and allergies in children. 'This highlights the potential positive impact pets, and their germs, can have on the immune system,' adds Siobhán. To stay on top of pet-related hygiene, aim to wash your pet's bed regularly and brush your dog's hair once to three times per week to reduce shedding and minimise germ transfer. 8. Your bath towels 9 DAMP towels and even bath mats can develop a build up of mould and bacteria over time. 'This could contribute to skin irritation or even respiratory problems, particularly for people with asthma or eczema,' says Dr Thornton. 'Repeated exposure to mould spores, for example, could exacerbate chronic respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.' Research by De Montfort University found Covid could survive on cotton for up to 24 hours, and a separate study by Leiden University showed that human papillomaviruses (HPV), which can cause warts, can be spread through contact with towels shared with other people. The odd missed towel wash is unlikely to cause you harm, but Dr Thornton recommends washing your towels after every few uses. Hand towels especially should also be washed regularly. 'If you're being vigilant with hand washing and then drying your hands with a towel that has been left unwashed for too long, you're just transferring more germs back onto your clean hands,' says Siobhán. 'Wash towels and bath mats regularly at high temperatures, and ensure they are thoroughly dried after each use. 'Quick-drying, antimicrobial towels or bamboo mats are a good option as they naturally resist bacterial growth.'
Scottish Sun
04-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 8 household items harbouring germs that could kill you – or give you bloody diarrhoea, warts and boils
From kitchen sponges to reusable shopping bags, these objects could cause stomach bugs, fungal infections and in rare cases, death DIRTY SECRET The 8 household items harbouring germs that could kill you – or give you bloody diarrhoea, warts and boils Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WE all know that maintaining good hygiene is important to stop us from picking up bugs and getting ill. But even if you are the biggest fan of hand sanitiser or you're regularly seen parading a bottle of surface spray and a cloth, you might be missing a trick when it comes to keeping clean. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Some items in our homes are teeming with bacteria, experts warn Credit: Getty There are actually several items in your house - perhaps even in your vicinity right now - that could be harbouring a serious number of germs. And these tiny pathogens can cause everything from boils to bloody diarrhoea. In very rare cases, they can even be fatal. Dr Martin Thornton, chief medical officer at Bluecrest, tells Sun Health: 'Many of the items below probably seem harmless but they can become breeding grounds for bacteria and mould. 'Over time, this can have a bigger impact on your long-term health than you might realise.' Are you the victim of any of these germ-ridden household items? We reveal eight of the worst offenders… 1. Your kitchen sponge 9 Dish sponges are said to be one of the dirtiest items in a typical household Credit: Getty WHEN did you last replace the soggy sponge that lingers by your kitchen sink? If it wasn't in the last week, you might want to buy a new one ASAP because they hold onto moisture and quickly breed bacteria. Research published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that a cubic centimetre of a kitchen sponge - about the size of a pea - can contain millions of bacteria, making it one of the dirtiest items in a typical household. This includes E. coli, salmonella and staphylococcus, according to a study by Justus–Liebig–University Giessen. Most strains are harmless, but some can lead to problems like stomach cramps, skin infections, boils, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). One killed and 10 hospitalized after 'eating McDonald's Quarter Pounders' in horror E. coli outbreak Also watch out for faecal matter. The National Sanitation Foundation found more than 75 per cent of dish sponges and rags had faecal matter, compared to nine per cent of bathroom taps. Instead of classic sponges, Siobhán Carroll, a naturopath and herbalist for suggests silicone scrubbers that dry quickly and don't allow bacteria to live on them. 'Or use more old-school dishcloths,' she adds. 'These are great because you can get natural materials such as cotton. 'Simply pop them in the washing machine at the end of the day and take a new one out the next morning. 'With about seven or eight cloths, you can easily interchange them throughout the week this way!' 2. Your reusable water bottle 9 Reusable water bottles can carry bacteria like E. coli Credit: Getty IF you use your water bottle every day, it should really be washed every day, Dr Thornton says. 'Drinking bottles can harbour bacteria like E. coli and staphylococcus, which could potentially lead to recurring tummy bugs or low-level infections,' he adds. 'While one-off exposures aren't likely to impact you long-term, repeated infections could put pressure on your immune system and make you more likely to pick up illnesses. 'This is particularly true if you're already managing an existing or underlying health condition.' 3. Your mobile phone 9 We should all clean our phones regularly to avoid getting ill Credit: Getty OUR phones are pretty much an extension of our hands these days. But that means they are collecting germs non-stop throughout the day. 'Although it's not something to panic about, be aware that the germs that build up on phones can potentially make us ill,' says Siobhán. 'Mobile phones pick up bacteria, viruses and even fungal spores as they travel everywhere with us, from worktops to handbags, trains to toilets. 'When you then hold your phone to your face, or tap away and eat a snack without washing your hands, you're giving those germs a free ride into your body.' Our immune systems usually do a great job of keeping us protected. But Siobhán says there are times, like when you're run-down, stressed or not eating well, that those microbes can take hold. How deadly can bacteria be? SALMONELLA Salmonella can cause stomach cramps, diarrhoea and a fever, which can last up to a week. In rare cases, it can infect the urine, blood, bones, joints and nervous system, and can result in reactive arthritis known as Reiter's syndrome. It is not usually fatal. The UK recorded 57 deaths due to the infection in 2017 and 2018, according to data compiled by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). In 2019, there were 8,398 cases, down from 8,838 the year before. E. COLI E. coli are a diverse group of bacteria that are normally harmless and live in the intestines of humans and animals. However, some strains produce toxins such as STEC that can make people very ill, including stomach cramps and fever and about 50 per cent of cases having bloody diarrhoea. Some patients, mainly children, may develop hemolytic uraemic syndrome, which is a serious life-threatening condition resulting in kidney failure. One person died and hundreds fell ill in an outbreak in England linked to contaminated lettuce last year. STAPHYLOCOCCUS Staphylococcus causes staph infections, which most often affect the skin. They can cause painful red lumps, boils and abscesses, as well as hot, swollen skin, sores, crusts and blisters, and red eyes or eyelids. Staph bacteria can also cause more serious infections, like blood poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. From 2022 to 2023, there were 13,125 confirmed cases of bacteraemia caused by methicillin-sensitive staphylococcus aureus reported in England, and 2,837 deaths. A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that 16 per cent of mobile phones were contaminated with E. coli, indicating faecal contamination from poor hand hygiene. The University of Arizona even discovered that phones carry 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, including norovirus and gonorrhoea. 'If your phone is harbouring staphylococcus, or any other bacteria and you touch your mouth, eyes or nose, there's a chance you could end up with an upset stomach, skin infection or a bout of sniffles if your immune system is not up to the job of clearing the pathogen before symptoms arise,' Siobhán says. Remember: wash hands regularly, avoid using your phone while eating, and give your device a gentle clean every now and then. 'And yes, let's all agree to stop bringing it into the loo,' adds Siobhán. 4. Your shower loofah 9 Replace your loofah every three to four weeks Credit: Getty IT'S likely that you haven't given your shower loofah a second thought, until now. 'Loofahs are full of crevices that could be home to bacteria or mould,' Dr Thorton says. 'When these are used on broken skin, you could be setting yourself up for chronic skin conditions or recurrent skin infections.' This could be thanks to E. coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria, according to Cleveland Clinic - but loofahs can also carry fungal organisms. While health problems from your loofah might be rare, introducing these things to the bloodstream through tiny cuts could lead to serious infections in more vulnerable people, Dr Thornton warns. That's why it's vital to change your shower puff every three to four weeks. 5. Your computer keyboard 9 Research shows keyboards carry more germs than a toilet seat Credit: Getty YOU might overlook your keyboard when doing the weekly clean, but Siobhán says that they are hotspots for harbouring crumbs, dust and bacteria accumulated from our fingertips. 'Bacteria like E. coli and viruses such as norovirus can survive on hard surfaces like keyboards for hours, sometimes even days,' she warns. 'The risk of getting sick from your keyboard is relatively low if your overall health and immunity are in good shape. 'The bigger issue comes when people touch their face or eat at their desk without washing their hands as that's when the transfer can really happen.' You could contribute to skin irritation or even respiratory problems, particularly for people with asthma or eczema Dr Martin Thornton Research by the University of Arizona found that the average desktop computer carries 400 times more germs than a toilet seat. And according to a study by Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, some of these can survive for up to 24 hours on a keyboard. Rather than stress about germs, give your keyboard a wipe with a disinfectant specifically made for electronics. You may also want to consider silicone keyboard covers that are easier to clean. 6. Your reusable shopping bags 9 Reusable shopping bags can spread bacteria Credit: Getty ALTHOUGH good for the environment, reusable shopping bags could harm our health as they rarely, if ever, get washed. 'Frozen or chilled food can leave your bags moist, often with little bits of food that can go mouldy,' says Siobhán. 'Even when you shake the bits of food out of the bag, invisible bacteria and mould particles can remain.' In 2017, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned that 'bags for life' can spread deadly food poisoning bacteria if they are used to carry raw meat and fish. And there was evidence to suggest that bugs like listeria, campylobacter and salmonella - which can cause stomach bugs - could survive on the bags, regardless of the material, for up to 21 days. Thankfully, giving reusable bags a deep clean every now and then should be enough to get rid of germs, Siobhán says. 'If you are someone with a really compromised immune system then biodegradable single-use bags could be helpful,' she adds. 7. Your pet 9 We love our pets - but they can also make us very ill Credit: Getty WE cuddle them, kiss them and often let them into our beds. But have you ever considered the unseen germs that pets can bring into your home? 'Pets' fur, collars and toys can carry bacteria, transferring it to various surfaces in your home,' says Siobhán. 'Unlike our own bedding, pet beds also aren't washed or changed nearly as often and can harbour lots of germs.' Research by Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences found household pets can spread norovirus, rabies, pasteurella, salmonella, brucella, yersinia enterocolitica, campylobacter, capnocytophaga, bordetella bronchiseptica, coxiella burnetii, leptospira, staphylococcus intermedius, and MRSA - a major cause of fatal infection in humans. These can cause everything from coughs, headaches and vomiting, to internal bleeding, back pain and even endocarditis - a rare and potentially fatal infection of the inner lining of the heart. The dirtiest room in your house WHEN thinking about what room in your house is dirtiest, your mind probably goes to the bathroom. It's where we go to the loo and wash off the day's dirt, after all. But according to experts, the grimiest spot in your home is actually your kitchen. They say the space where you prepare your food is riddled with germ-laden items - all of which are grubbier than a toilet seat. The National Sanitation Foundation, a global public health and safety organisation, tested 30 surfaces in 22 homes to measure levels of yeast, salmonella, mould, and staph germs. Toilet seats didn't even rank in the top 10 grimiest household articles. Instead, it was kitchen items that featured most heavily in the list, and ranked the highest too. This included: dish sponges and dish cloths, kitchen sinks, toothbrush holders, pet bowls, coffee makers, bathroom faucet handles, pet toys, kitchen counters, stove knobs and cutting boards. Pets can also carry pollen and dust, potentially triggering hay fever symptoms. It's not all doom and gloom though. Research in the British Medical Journal Evidence-Based Medicine suggests that early exposure to pet microbes may lower the risk of developing asthma and allergies in children. 'This highlights the potential positive impact pets, and their germs, can have on the immune system,' adds Siobhán. To stay on top of pet-related hygiene, aim to wash your pet's bed regularly and brush your dog's hair once to three times per week to reduce shedding and minimise germ transfer. 8. Your bath towels 9 It's vital to wash bath and hand towels regularly to avoid mould and bacteria Credit: Getty DAMP towels and even bath mats can develop a build up of mould and bacteria over time. 'This could contribute to skin irritation or even respiratory problems, particularly for people with asthma or eczema,' says Dr Thornton. 'Repeated exposure to mould spores, for example, could exacerbate chronic respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.' Research by De Montfort University found Covid could survive on cotton for up to 24 hours, and a separate study by Leiden University showed that human papillomaviruses (HPV), which can cause warts, can be spread through contact with towels shared with other people. The odd missed towel wash is unlikely to cause you harm, but Dr Thornton recommends washing your towels after every few uses. Hand towels especially should also be washed regularly. 'If you're being vigilant with hand washing and then drying your hands with a towel that has been left unwashed for too long, you're just transferring more germs back onto your clean hands,' says Siobhán. 'Wash towels and bath mats regularly at high temperatures, and ensure they are thoroughly dried after each use. 'Quick-drying, antimicrobial towels or bamboo mats are a good option as they naturally resist bacterial growth.'
