How germs spread
- Did you know?
Once in the home germs can travel around from person to person or from person to surface and back again.
Understanding how germs enter the home and the steps you can take to minimise their spread can help prevent you and your family from becoming ill.
Germs enter the home in food and water or on pets and people. Once in the home, germs can easily escape onto hands, surfaces, fabrics, food and even into the air.
How germs spread around the home
- Germs are shed by people and pets in faeces (i.e. poo), droplets from the nose and mouth, vomit, skin scales, hairs and fluid from wounds
- Germs on raw food can contaminate anything it comes into contact with, including hands
Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination is when bacteria spread between food, surfaces or equipment. It's most likely to happen when raw food touches (or drips onto) other food, equipment or surfaces, or if people touch raw food with their hands.
How do people get infected by germs?
