10 Things Infectious-Disease Experts Don’t Worry About
Gross doesn’t always mean dangerous.
Focusing on ventilation rather than constantly disinfecting surfaces is a top priority for infectious disease experts. During respiratory virus season, opening windows and ensuring proper airflow is deemed more effective than wiping down counters and doorknobs. Cleaning food preparation surfaces with hot, soapy water and sanitizing those contaminated by raw meat or poultry is recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but daily disinfection of non-contaminated areas is unnecessary.
Frequent sheet washing isn't required for most healthy individuals; once a week is sufficient. Washing sheets more often than needed leads to excessive cleanliness. Antibacterial soap is unnecessary for most people; plain soap is sufficient as long as it's used correctly. Washing winter coats or other clothing isn't typically necessary; items should be washed based on specific circumstances like body sweat and odors.
Enjoying sushi and other raw foods is a personal risk-reward decision; food-safety experts have colleagues who avoid them entirely, while others like to indulge. Reusable grocery bags don't need to be washed after every trip unless shopping daily or not using produce bags.
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