Bacteria That Will Push You to Use Indoor Shoe Covers

If you have been following our blog and reading our articles, then you know about the benefits that indoor shoe covers (among many other types) can offer and how important they are in a variety of circumstances and situations. The truth is that they are important, not only to us, but especially to the people who wear shoe covers, their friends, and family members.

The importance and efficacy of shoe covers has entered the public spotlight. This is most likely bolstered by the desire to remain clean that the pandemic has brought about.

Despite that, there are still many people that either don’t wear shoe covers or don’t believe in them. The best way to convince these people is by educating them more on the benefits that shoe covers can offer. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the dangers underfoot, literally.

It has been said that shoe covers are an additional form of protection from the various bacteria and viruses that can be tracked under people’s shoes. Read through as we delve deeper into these viruses, what they do, and why you’ll be thankful to wear shoe covers.

Bacteria to Push You to Wear Indoor Shoe Covers

Staph

The first on our list of dangerous bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus, colloquially known as “staph”. This bacterium is responsible for a wide range of diseases, the most common of which is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

MRSA is resistant to most antibiotics, making it very difficult to treat. If left untreated, it can lead to death in some cases. It’s a particularly big problem in hospitals and other medical facilities where patients are already vulnerable.

Staph can also cause:

• sepsis (a potentially life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection damages its own tissues and organs)
• cellulitis (a potentially serious bacterial infection of the skin)
• pneumonia (a serious lung infection)
• food poisoning

E. coli

Escherichia coli, or “E. coli”, is a bacterium that can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. It’s a common cause of food poisoning, and it can be deadly in some cases. E. coli is spread through contact with contaminated food or water, so it’s important to practice good hygiene habits and wear the right protective covers.

When walking outside, there are a good number of things that can be stepped on. Spilled water or discarded food can easily be stepped on. In fact, it happens more frequently than people notice.

It is best to wear shoe covers both indoors (if you wear your shoes inside your house), and even procure covers for outdoors as well.

C. diff

Clostridium difficile, or “C. diff”, is a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and stomach cramps. In some cases, it can be fatal. C. diff is spread by contact with feces, so it’s commonly found in hospitals and other healthcare settings. It can also be contracted through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, door handles, bed rails, and countertops.

Interacting with these items may lead you to contaminate homes or workplaces.

The best way to prevent C. diff is by practicing good hygiene habits, such as washing your hands often, using disinfectants, and of course wearing shoe covers indoors.

Pesticides

Pesticides are another danger underfoot. Pesticides are dangerous because they can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, respiratory problems, birth defects, and nerve damage. They can also be harmful to the environment. When you wear indoor shoe covers, you’re protecting yourself and the environment from these harmful chemicals.

Serratia ficaria

Serratia ficaria is bacteria commonly found in soil and water underfoot. This bacterium is also commonly found in hospitals and other healthcare settings. It can cause respiratory problems, skin infections, and blood poisoning. Serratia ficaria is spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.

The Reality Under Your Feet

As you can see, there is a whole different world located right under people’s feet; it is the unseen world of the bacteria people step on each and every day.

The first and most important step in avoiding the various diseases and illnesses that the bacteria under your shoes can cause is learning more about them.

Studies have suggested that millions of bacteria are present under shoes. It is said that shoes are much dirtier than toilet seats. Interestingly enough, shoes bear another kinship to toilet seats in that both of them carry feces particles. 90% of all shoes have them.

Furthermore, bacteria thrives more on shoes than on any other surface. The longer people go without washing shoes, and the longer that they walk outside, the bacteria grows and becomes more dangerous. The risk of illness also increases.

These illnesses have the potential to gravely affect a person’s health, their finances, and even their productivity at work.

That is why it is best to either not bring your shoes in the house or better yet, wear shoe covers, both in and outdoors.

If you haven’t yet, check out Tiger Effects’ shoe covers for all your needs.