Myth or Fact? Learn About Infection Control

Myth: I only need to clean my hands if I touched something dirty

Fact: Germs can live on surfaces that look clean, for hours or even days at a time.

Take Action:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol – especially after being in public spaces and touching shared surfaces like shopping cart handles, doorknobs or elevator buttons
• To prevent infections at home, regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches and countertops

Myth: If the tools used for my manicure and pedicure are in sealed pouches or come out of a UV sterilizer box, they must be sterile

Fact: UV sterilizer boxes might look fancy, but they don’t sterilize tools, even if they are packed in sealed pouches. Tools like nail clippers and cuticle nippers must be cleaned and disinfected between clients. Single-use items, like buffing blocks and emery boards, should be thrown away after each client.

Take Action:

• Ask how manicure and pedicure tools are cleaned and disinfected
• Check that single-use items are actually new
• Refuse the service if you don’t feel safe

Myth: I’ll get sick if I go out with wet hair or without a jacket

Fact: Illnesses like colds, COVID-19 or influenza are caused by viruses – not from being cold or having wet hair. In colder months, people tend to spend more time indoors, where viruses spread more easily due to crowded spaces or poor ventilation. These viruses travel through droplets when people talk, cough or sneeze.

Take Action:

• Stay home when you’re sick to prevent getting others sick
• Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor spaces
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza every year