Is always washing my hands after using a public computer workstation in a library hypochondria or a good habit

Question

I always have the urge to wash my hands after touching a computer workstation at the library cuz I heard they were really dirty. I stopped that habit dead today by going on my comp. But I study every day there, the first thing I do is come home and wash my hands.

Answer 1

It's a great habit. Research has found that public computer mice are dirtier than public toilet seats. Always a good idea to clean your hands after you've been in contact with stuff other people put their sweat and bacteria into. Good for you!

Answer 2

It's always a good habit to wash your hands after touching something the public has access to, especially this time of year when so many viruses are in the air.

When using the computer at the library, don't put your hands to your face at all. That is how germs get into your system. You might want to carry a small bottle of purell with you. I use the purell every time I touch an ATM machine or a grocery carriage. The times I didn't use it, I got sick 3 days later.

Answer 3

I don't think it's hypochondria at all. I think more people would do it if they knew what they were coming in contact with by using public computers (or touching doorknobs/handles or other "things" during the day).

Most people have no idea what they come into contact with daily...and then stick their finger in their nose or mouth, guys hold their penis to urinate, people use their dirty hands to pick up their food...and never give thought to washing hands (some don't even do so after using a public toilet, but many don't wash their hands during the day at any other time than after using a restroom).

The world is full of gross and disgusting bacteria and things...definitely a better idea to wash hands than not!

Answer 4

It's good habit maybe you could even carry a bottle of antiviral/antibacterial gel in your backpack so you don't have to wait until you get home but squeeze a bit after you use the computer and your good to go! Between the library and home I'm sure you touch your face or eye at least once or twice unconciously.
Yes the computers are really dirty, not too dirty to keep me away but enough to warrant a good washing or gelling after.

Answer 5

No. You have an immune system for a reason. Why would you prevent it from doing it's job? I'm not understanding anyone with a fear of germs except those with OCD. Your immune system is designed to eliminate germs and viruses. You and all other people prevent it. Your immune system will remain weak and not know what to do when viruses do come. Viruses get stronger over time because of our chemicals. Also, swine flu isn't bad or much worse than the regular season flu. Why? Swine flu damages people more who have problems with internal organs and who have WEAK immune systems. At the same time, what are you gonna do when a super virus or major flu (not swine) comes into your body? Your immune system will get overpowered with ease because you didn't train it, you never gave it used to germs. That is where idiocy comes in. I barely get headaches, get colds, or the flu, diarrhea, vomiting or anything because I don't live a sterile life like everyone else does. See how it payed me off? I'm good and protected and I'm proud of it. You might say, well that's you. No it's not me. I'm going along with nature. You are going along with artificial. Don't listen to these *******. Overtime you're gonna get real sick and then die from a virus that you couldn't survive, yet I would because I have backup. When you do get real sick, into a coma or die, you're going to deserve it. People will say, "Oh my god, he has the flu don't shake his hand or anything." Do it. Yeah you have a chance in getting sick, but the next time you won't. When you recover from the flu, that means your immune system won the war and is prepared for the next time and you won't suffer from symptoms. If yo do, it's only another flu that has gotten used to chemicals in soaps and all. NO, I'm not saying never wash. Yeah, take a shower, wash hands when you obviously have dirt on them or whatever, but not 8 ******* times a day or 1-2 showers a day. Showers should be once per two or three days. Why? If you've been in your house, or driving, or going to the store, you know, non-physical activity for 2 days, why shower? Because bacteria builds on you? No. That's body bacteria. If it was that bad, you'd feel sick and depressed. If you're in your house for a few days just for relaxation like some people do, why shower? Is your house THAT dirty that is making you have to shower? I guess so huh? "no, it's... uhh..." Didn't think so. "Bacteria grows and can make you stink. Plus my armpits smell. I don't wanna smell bad in front of people" Put on deodorant then. My point is, be a man (yes, also a woman too if women are reading) you were created to be and take on these colds that these idiotic ******* can't. IT'S NATURE. IT'S NATURAL BECAUSE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO TAKE CARE OF YOU. USE IT!

Answer 6

Many health problems are caused by Germs on public utilities, computers being one the utilities. I recently went on a cruise to Bermuda...you had to use an anti-bacterial solution when leaving the ship and returning to the ship. You also had to use the Lotion prior to entering any Dining area.

You have a good habit. Also, shaking hands can be a problem, also. One on my Physicians will not shake a patients hands at all....The Physician was hospitalized with an infection caused by germs being transmitted through a hand shake.

Thanks.

Answer 7

Unless you need to wash your hands every time you press some key, it is just a good habit. Washing hands after coming home is a basic hygienic use. So, don't worry about your mental health. Keyboards are dirty.

Answer 8

Good habit. My mom is a nurse and she had to learn all sorts of things, like when she goes into a public restroom after she goes to the bathroom and before she turns on the water to the sink she rolls down alot of paper towels then washes her hands, then dries them with the paper towels, then turns the water off with the paper towels, then opens the door with the paper towels, then holds the door with her foot and throws the paper towel out. It sounds like she is a germaphob but tink about this, people turn on the sink with thier dirty hands then they clean them then they turn of the dirty sink handle AFTER they washed thier hands, then they take those germs to the door handle...pretty nasty. I would suggest keeping a little bottle of Purelle in your pocket incase a sink is not near by. People might look at you weird but really you will get sick less often!

Hope I helped! Have a very Merry Christmas!

Answer 9

That's a great habit to have. Tons of people sneeze into their hands, touch their eyes, and even go to the bathroom without washing their hands, and then they all use the computer. It's not excessive of you at all to wash afterwards. I'm sure you've stopped a lot of infectious disease. I wish everyone was as concerned!

Answer 10

i think it's a good habit too. the first thing i do after coming home everytime is to wash my hands, and i never sit on my bed with clothes i've worn outside too...