Flip-flops are ubitiquous in South Florida, but they can
carry dangerous bacteria. Flickr photo/The Consumerist
A report today (Aug. 18) on the Today show exposed a "dirty" secret: Flip-flops, those ubitiquous shoes of summer (and all year-round here in sunny South Florida!) don't just carry us around in cool, casual comfort -- they also carry a "gross" amount of dangerous bacteria!
The Today report follows a story in the New York Daily News that sent two reporters out on the city's streets four four days in flip-flops. Afterward, the shoes were tested and found to be covered in fecal, skin and respiratory tract-germs -- 18,000 of them on one pair alone!
Yuk!
These bacteria can cause severe infections for those with suppressed immune systems or with an open cut or sore. Also, cautioned the Today report, "people can transmit germs from their feet to other parts of their body" by touching the shoes and/or their feet and then touching another body part.
Double-yuk!
However, it should not be too much of a threat for healthy people who take a few basic precautions:
1. First of all, wash your hands!
2. Try to be conscientious and do not touch your shoes!
3. Also, it's a good idea to occasionally wash your flip-flops, either by hand or by tossing the shoes into the washing machine with a load of laundry.
Bottom line: wear your flip-flops with style and pride, just be aware of the germs they carry!
More info:
Myths and facts about flip-flop dangers
Why women should be extra-cautious wearing flip-flops
Comments
Wow! Who knew? You make an excellent case for why we do not allow shoes (flip flops or otherwise) in our home! Thanks for sharing this one.
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