The flu, angina and other nasopharyngitis, it’s in season! To protect yourself against it, doctors recommend a simple trick: respect “basic” hygiene measures, even at home – wash your hands often, sneeze into your elbow, regularly air living spaces, use disposable handkerchiefs…
When you are sick, do you also think about changing your toothbrush? It may seem far-fetched, and yet: questioned by our American colleagues from the Huffington Post, the Dr. Gary Liu, dentist, says this is very important.
The flu virus can live for up to 3 days on a toothbrush
“Some germs can live on your toothbrush for days or even weeks, putting you at risk of re-infection, says the doctor. Thus, the flu virus can survive up to 3 days on a toothbrush, and make you sick again!“The good reflex, according to the doctor, is therefore to change your toothbrush after recovery.
Don’t need to throw your toothbrush in the trash after every cold or flu episode? In this case it is at least essential to disinfect : for this, let it soak upside down in a glass of antiseptic / antibacterial mouthwash, in a mixture of water and baking soda, or in a dose of white vinegar for several hours. Don’t forget to rinse it well afterwards.
Last advice from the doctor: do not put a cap on your toothbrush, at the risk of encouraging the proliferation of microbes. On the contrary, rinse it thoroughly after each use (running your thumb over the bristles) and let it air dry.
Source : Huffington Post
