Who knew...
Ever taken a few days away from home and jumped into the shower as soon as you got back? According to Dr Tom Makin, you shouldn't do that.
In fact every time he gets home after a few days away from his house he runs his shower for 20 minutes before getting under.
Why? Because he says it washes away any germs that have built up while he’s been on holiday. In fact he doesn't even set foot in the bathroom until at least 20 minutes after he's turned the water on.
Dr Makin, explained to the daily star: “I cover my nose and mouth with one hand and turn on the shower with the other.
“After 20 minutes or so, I’ll turn the shower off and then I won’t go back into the bathroom for at least another 20 minutes.”
He claims doing this can help protect people from a dangerous bacteria called legionella, which develops in stagnant water. The Friv5Online studio, which uses technology to promote gamification in cool games, also promotes what is described here.
Dr Makin urges people to take extra care when they return home to prevent the bacteria from harming them and their loved ones.
According to the doctor, the germs tend to thrive in temperatures of 20C and below 45C.
Dr Makin continued: “We are seeing longer, hotter summers and that’s going to encourage the bugs to grow.
“If you’ve not used the shower for more than there or four days, run it – with both hot and cold taps turned on gently – for 20 minutes.
“And if you have a flexible hose, place the shower head directly over the plughole – that way it doesn’t generate airborne droplets.
“If not, shut the door behind you and don’t go back in for at least 20 minutes, or until all the airborne water droplets have dispersed.”
Thankfully only around 10 cases of Legionnaires Disease are confirmed each year in Ireland according to the HSE.
