I think we can all agree that this have been an extraordinary year: Full of challenge, transition and hope of a better tomorrow.

Extraordinary measures came along and we were vividly reminded of the importance of good hygiene and staying clean. We’ve adapted to the “New Norm” and became well aware of how easy it is to get exposed to germs and bacteria.

So, let’s talk germs!
"Germ" isn't a technical medical term, but it is used to refer to illness-causing microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. You can find germs in the air; on food, plants and animals; in soil and water — and on just about every other surface, including your body.

Most microbes are unharmful and our immune system protects us against them. However, some types can invade our bodies, gobble up nutrients and energy and can produce toxins that act like poisons to our body. Those toxins can cause symptoms of common infections and prevent us from staying our healthiest.

When you shake someone’s hand or touch an elevator button, go to the gym or pick up a product from the supermarket, you’re likely to be exposed to germs and can potentially pick up around 1,500 different types of bacteria.

However, you might not be able to take the extra time off your day that is necessary to learn what bacteria is good and bad. Knowing this, the best you can do is adopt a routine that keeps you protected against germs in order to stay healthy.

To help you manage all of this, we have combined a list of things you can implement into your daily routine to stay protected against germs:

At Home

Keep a good level of personal hygiene. In particular, it’s important that you:

• Wash your hands with water and soap for at least 40 seconds when you get home from the outside. You should also wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating, as well as after touching items that could contain dirt or germs, such as shoes, gardening tools, etc.
• Wash your hair with Head & Shoulders Daily Protect Shampoo. Understanding all of the above, Head & Shoulders shampoo fights germs in order to keep your hair and scalp protected. Head & Shoulders Daily Protect removes 99% of germs* and leaves your hair up to 100% free of dandruff*. Head & Shoulders Daily Protect is easy on the hair and scalp while, at the same time, so powerful in removing germs lingering on your hair tips. Washing your hair with Head & Shoulders Daily Protect Shampoo will protect you from germs while keeping your hair and scalp clean, healthy and refreshed.

You can find more pro-tips to improve your regular hygiene here.

Keep your home protected against germs by having a designated area to house dirty clothes, shoes or other items coming from the outside so that they don’t mix with your clean items.

Wipe all purchased supermarket products with alcohol-based cleaning products, sanitizers or just soap before putting them in your fridge or pantry.

Clean your phone with a disinfectant wipe or spraying disinfectant onto a cotton pad to rub the device.

Disinfect your every-day items. Things like your toothbrush, your dishwashing sponge, your bathroom towels or your bed linen can also house germs. Make sure to keep them clean.

When You Are Out & About

Always pack a hand sanitizer or alcohol wipes with you and use it after touching public surfaces or items.

Use a tissue or gloves whenever you’re touching elevator buttons or opening doors in public places.

Whether you’re going to the gym or the beach, make sure you’re using your own clean towel and wash it afterwards in a minimum of 40°-60° degrees.

Disinfect your working space: Your desk, chair, laptop, phone and any other items on your desk before using.

Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

All of these measures may seem the most uncomfortable tasks to do but they will for sure keep you and the people around you safe and clean; and honestly speaking, they don’t take that long to do. So, practice good hygiene, stay away from bacteria and most importantly, stay positive!

You can buy Head & Shoulders Daily Protect from your regular hypermarket, pharmacy, or online retailers.

*Head & Shoulders Daily Protect removes 99% of representative bacteria, shampooing twice. It removes visible dandruff flakes, with regular use.