5 everyday habits that could make you sick

Melbourne: If you are getting sick frequently, then we have some important news for you.

It turns out these common daily habits that you do could be a reason for you getting sick constantly. Microbiologist Professor Sally Bloomfield believes that people tend to think that the toilet bowl and the floor are the dirtiest places around the house. But according to her there are more filthy surfaces we should be weary of, reports News.com.au.

She also feels that that main thing is to practice regular hand washing and to keep critical surfaces, such as door handles and mobile phones, as clean as possible.

Here are five things people need to stop right now:

USING YOUR PHONE WHILE ON THE TOILET

It's an easy habit to get into but using your cell phone when you're on the toilet is actually a very dangerous mistake to make. Dr Paul Matewele from London Metropolitan University, said, "Touching your phone between using the toilet and washing your hands is a very bad idea."

"Toilet seats, handles, sinks and taps are covered in germs such as E. coli, which can cause urinary tract infections and intestinal illness, C. diff which can result in diarrhoea, and acinetobacter which can cause a contagious respiratory infection," he added.

NOT CLEARING OUT YOUR HANDBAG

This is because handbags and wallets come into constant contact with your hands, they are also riddled with germs which could include norovirus, MRSA and E. coli. People can keep germs to a minimum by placing their handbag on a hook when using the bathroom. While vacuuming inside your bag and wiping down the exterior with an antibacterial cloth will help keep it sanitary.

WEARING YOUR SHOES INSIDE

According to a research 39.7 percent of shoes were carrying C. diff which can cause diarrhoea. Dr. Matewele believes people can get seriously sick if they accidentally ingest C. diff. People should take their shoes off at the door and pack them in cloth bags when travelling.

NOT CLEANING YOUR TV REMOTE

The TV remote ends up being everywhere around the house, so keeping it clean should be something people should definitely do. According to Dr Matewele, because of the frequency which they are handled, remote controls can be riddled with germs including E. coli.

NOT WASHING SPONGES PROPERLY

Sponges are there to keep your house clean, but they be a serious germy culprit. Sponges are believed to be the ideal breeding grounds for microbes because they get a nourishing, warm, moist environment, along with nutritive material from food waste. Replacing sponges every month, or washing at a high temperature in the dishwasher should keep bacterial growth at bay.