Could library Books be making me sick?

[raksmama]

I've been getting more colds than usual this year even though I eat healthy.

My husband is convinced it is because I read a lot of library books and they are full of bacteria.

What do you all think?

 Could library Books be making me sick?

[raksmama]

Hey! This was not a joke I was serious!

[echowarrior]

Hmmm, I've never thought of that. A sick person would have to cough and sneeze all over it then you would have to check it out that day I would think in order for the bugs to still be alive? Not sure how long viruses or bacterias can last on a hard surface....what else has changed? Are your dc's sick? Do you sanitize and wash hands after touching anything public, grocery cart, door handles?

[kathymuggle]

I do not think so.

I work in a library and handle many, many books a day - and I am not prone to illness.
 

Here is a brief article on how long germs live outside the body - it posits that most are a few hours to a couple of days.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infectious-disease/AN01238

i think the best way to protect yourself from germs is to be a bad host.  sleep well, eat well, reduce stress, open your windows...that sort of thing.  If you like vitamins I would take vit C.  to prevent infections and I might take vit. D in northern climates.  Hand washing is vital.  

If you really are worried about germs on library books, you could:

1.   wash hands as you leave the library.  Some people do come to the library sick (often to get books or movies "because they are not feeling well"

2.  Do not take books from the cart.  Go to the stacks.  Libraries vary, but books on the cart have usually been returned in the last day or so.  Books on the shelves - who knows the last time they were touched?

[raksmama]

Good tips everyone. I already do most of those things wash hands, eat healthy, take C and D (I am in Canada too) in addition I take cold showers,do salt water nasel rinsesl. I think my system is weak because when I was younger I did not take good care of myself at all. Also being a Pilates and dance teacher I get close to people all the time. WIth a son in middle school I can imagine he brings all kinds of things home.....

Kathy, I am going to show the article to my husband. He has been the one on my case about using library books but had I bought all the books that I read this year alone it would have been $$$

[kathymuggle]

Originally Posted by raksmama 

Good tips everyone. I already do most of those things wash hands, eat healthy, take C and D (I am in Canada too) 

Actually, I bet money I live within an hour of you (it's the Rideau River thing).

In a fit of geekiness, I looked up the main libraries along the Rideau River and they all subscribe to an ebook service.  Would an ebook reader work for you?  You can download the books from home, there are never any late charges...it is very cool for patrons who like the ebook format.  

Word to the wise, though.....do not get a Kindle!  Patrons buy them without realising that much of the collection is not downloadable in Ontario onto a Kindle.  

[raksmama]

Hi Kathy,

Up to now I've never tried eBooks. For some reason I have an aversion to them! I love readying good old fashioned books. I suppose I should try.  These colds are annoying, but I too doubt it is library books.

We are in Ottawa near Prince of Wales.