7 Nasty Gym Germs To Avoid
The gym is where we usually go to exercise both our mind and our bodies which is why we love it. But what if I told you that the place we all know and love is filled with bacteria, fungus's, and more.
I'm sure you know that some random person's sweat soaking on the bench they have just used is not something you want to be touching, but did you know just how many viral and bacterial infections you could possibly pick up without even knowing they are there?
But before I go on and give you the full run down, don't go and freak out and cancel your gym membership or anything as there are ways you can easily minimize the risk of catching these nasty gym germs so we can keep going to the place we love.
Here is a list of the 7 nasty gym germs to avoid
INFLUENZA
What is it?
Influenza or more commonly known as the ’flu’ is a respiratory illness that infects the throat, nose, and sometimes lungs. The flu can be mild but in some cases can be severe and result in death.
How can you get it
According to most experts, the flu is transmitted through tiny droplets made when people cough, sneeze or even talk. These droplets can land in people’s mouths or be inhaled through the nose by someone walking nearby. Additionally, if these droplets have landed on something nearby, say a gym bench... and you touch said gym bench you can carry those droplets with you unless you separate yourself from the germs or wash your hands.
Symptoms
- fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
How do you treat it?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to prevent the flu is by getting the flu shot each year. If you think you have picked up the flu and are feeling unwell, seek medical attention from a licensed doctor.
HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS
What is it?
Human papillomavirus or HPV is a virus that is commonly known as a sexually transmitted infection but that isn't the only way you can catch it.
How can you get it
Most commonly transferred through unprotected sex, this virus can be transmitted by walking barefoot in change rooms and showers.
Symptoms
Symptoms of this viral infection include genital warts, warts of the throat and mouth as well as plantar warts (foot warts). If untreated this viral infection can cause cancers of the cervix, throat, head, neck, and genitals.
How do you treat it?
There is no actual cure for HPV however medical professionals can help treat this infection.
KLEBSIELLA
What is it?
Klebsiella is a bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines or stool of a healthy person.
How can you get it
Spread through any form of contact with klebsiella bacteria-covered objects, so that can go for gym benches, cardio machines, gym mats, gym machines, basically anything that is shared.
Symptoms
Symptoms of this bacterial infection can be a urinary tract infection. If it enters the respiratory system it can cause pneumonia, or if it gets into a cut or scab and makes its way into the bloodstream it can cause blood infections, so this is something you want to shield yourself from.
How do you treat it?
Many variants of this bacteria are drug-resistant however the right antibiotics can treat this infection according to the CDC.
E.COLI
What is it?
Escherichia coli or E. coli is a bacteria found in the intestines of people and humans.
How can you get it
Most commonly you get this from eating contaminated foods however if you are unlucky it’s possible to pick this up from contaminated gym equipment
Symptoms
Symptoms of this infection are cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and in some cases can lead to pneumonia.
How do you treat it?
Typically a healthy person can make sure to keep their fluids up and stay hydrated however, people at a higher risk like children, the elderly, and people with a compromised immune system should get to a hospital.
STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
What is it?
Staphylococcus aureus A.K.A Staph is a bacterial infection that usually will cause a skin infection but can lead to serious life-threatening symptoms as well.
How can you get it
These bacteria can be transmitted by having direct contact with an infected person, by using a contaminated object, or by inhaling infected droplets from sneezing or coughing.
Symptoms
Usually causing skin infections like boils, abscesses, rashes, and swelling. These bacteria can become life-threatening if it makes its way into your bloodstream causing pneumonia, sepsis, or meningitis.
How do you treat it?
Antibiotics from a medical professional.
CANDIDA
What is it?
Candida is a strain of fungus, This fungal infection typically causes skin infections like athletes’ feet and ringworm.
How can you get it
This infection is transmitted through contact. It thrives in warm moist areas like change rooms, saunas, and showers.
Symptoms
- Athletes’, the foot will usually cause itchy red skin with flaking and cracked skin in between toes and on the side of feet.
- Ringworm causes rashes in the shape of a ring and normally appear on feet, between toes, and on hands.
How do you treat it?
This can be treated with an anti fungal cream but if the infection gets worse then antibiotics from a medical professional.
STREPTOCOCCAL BACTERIA
What is it?
A bacterial infection with many variants, this bacteria is commonly known as strep and usually causes infections to the upper respiratory system. This bacteria can cause tonsillitis, ear infections, sinus infections and can also cause scarlet fever.
How can you get it
spread from person to person by contact from sweat on gym equipment, skin to skin contact as well as droplets from people talking, if the infection is in their throat.
Symptoms
Causes throat pain that usually comes on quickly, red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus as well as headaches and fever.
How do you treat it?
Minor infections can sometimes get better without treatment however antibiotics from a medical professional are the best treatment.
The easiest way of keeping yourself germ-free is by not coming in contact with them at all, spraying and wiping down benches before and after use is a great idea and should be done as often as you can. Using a towel is a fantastic way of keeping yourself bug-free, however, most towels become pointless as they absorb the bacteria on the side of the towel that comes in contact with the equipment, and then you just end up forgetting which side that was and wiping your face with it, subsequently spreading all those germs all over your face. Another pitfall is the typical gym towel does not cover the whole bench therefore most of your body is still touching the equipment and picking up these germs! This is why we designed BaamBoo Gym Towel, to solve these issues, also equipped with a magnet to keep your towel elevated from the possibly contaminated floors in conjunction with a hood to stop your towel from sliding off machines and benches while you train.
However, the issues don't stop at the gym floor, if you are someone who showers at the gym it's probably a good idea to invest in some shower thongs and to use a separate shower towel and have a plastic bag dedicated to your dirty clothes to prevent any germs from contaminating clean ones.
And last but certainty not least, wash your hands!