Savvy Talks: Things Infectious Disease Doctors Never Do
Originally aired on 8/25/2026 for WGN Radio 720.
You'd think infectious disease doctors spend their days wiping down every surface in sight.
Not even close.
I recently came across the habits these experts swear by to avoid getting sick, and what surprised me most was how...normal they are. They're not afraid to live life. They just avoid a handful of everyday mistakes that the rest of us make without even thinking.
Here are the ones that made me stop and rethink my own routine.
🍗 1. They Never Mix Raw Meat and Ready-to-Eat Foods
Your salad shouldn't be sharing space with raw chicken.
One doctor always makes the salad first, puts it away, then brings out the meat. She even uses color-coded cutting boards to avoid cross-contamination.
Savvy Tip: One cutting board for meat. One for everything else. Easy.
🥬 2. They Don't Soak Produce in a Bowl
Confession: I've done this for years.
Turns out rinsing fruits and vegetables under running water is actually better. If one strawberry is contaminated, soaking everything together can spread those germs around.
🧽 3. They Don't Trust Kitchen Sponges
That sponge sitting next to your sink?
It's basically a luxury condo for bacteria.
One expert rinses hers well and microwaves it for about 20 seconds while it's still wet. Or just replace it often.
🚪 4. Shoes Stay at the Door
Think about where your shoes have been today.
Now imagine all of that on your kitchen floor.
I'll let that image do the convincing.
🚽 5. They'd Lose the Rug Around the Toilet
This one actually made me laugh.
Bathroom rugs collect more than water. If you've got little boys in the house...you already know.
A washable bath mat? Great.
That fuzzy rug hugging the toilet? Maybe not.
🌬️ 6. They Open Windows More Than They Wipe Counters
This surprised me.
One infectious disease expert said he'd rather improve the air than obsess over disinfecting every surface.
Fresh air really does matter.
🪥 7. They Take Brushing Their Teeth Seriously
Healthy gums don't just protect your teeth.
They help keep harmful bacteria from entering your bloodstream.
Who knew brushing your teeth could be part of infection prevention?
🧼 8. They Actually Wash Their Hands Long Enough
We've all done the five-second rinse.
These doctors say soap and water still beat hand sanitizer in many situations—especially when stomach bugs are involved.
No rushing.
🚫 9. They Think Before Touching Their Face
Elevator buttons.
Door handles.
Gas pumps.
Shopping carts.
Touch them all you want.
Just don't rub your eyes before washing your hands.
🧀 10. They Skip Grocery Store Samples
This one had honestly never occurred to me.
You've been pushing a shopping cart...and then someone hands you a free bite of cheese.
Maybe wait until after you've washed your hands.
🩴 11. Flip-Flops Go Everywhere at the Gym
Locker-room floors are exactly where fungi love to hang out.
Sandals are a lot easier than treating athlete's foot.
🦟 12. They Reapply Bug Spray
Think of bug spray like sunscreen.
One application isn't enough if you're outside for hours.
🌲 13. They Pack Tweezers
Ticks are getting more common all over the country.
A tiny pair of tweezers can save you a whole lot of trouble.
✈️ 14. They Use Bottled Water for Their Toothbrush Abroad
Most travelers avoid drinking tap water.
But then they brush their teeth with it.
One infectious disease doctor says that's a mistake people make all the time.
❤️ My Biggest Takeaway
I love this list because it's not about becoming a germaphobe.
It's about building a few smart habits that quietly lower your chances of getting sick.
If I were only going to change a few things, I'd start here:
✔️ Leave shoes at the door.
✔️ Wash produce under running water.
✔️ Open the windows when friends come over.
✔️ Replace that kitchen sponge more often.
✔️ Slow down when washing your hands.
None of these cost much.
None of them are difficult.
But together? They just might help you stay healthier this year.
And I'll take that.