The Hidden Dangers in Your Shoes

When packing for a trip, most of us ensure that our toiletries are safe and secure, using special bags for perfumes, lotions, and shampoos to avoid leaks. However, there may be something far more unsettling waiting to hitch a ride in your suitcase—the invisible remnants of spit, vomit, and urine from the streets you walk on!

Expert Warnings

Disease expert Philip M. Tierno, a professor of microbiology and pathology at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, has a stark warning: your shoes are likely the culprits. “If your shoe has ridges or textured areas, think about what they can collect while you walk. Depending on the location, you could be stepping over sidewalks littered with bodily fluids and other unspeakable things," he cautions.

Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiology and environmental sciences expert from the University of Arizona, backs this up with startling statistics. In his studies, he has found that after just a month of use, an overwhelming 93% of shoes test positive for fecal bacteria. This stark reminder sheds light on the often-overlooked bacteria that you might be transporting unwittingly.

Protecting Your Belongings

So, how can you protect your belongings? Tierno suggests a simple yet effective solution: “Always pack your shoes in plastic bags. Whether it’s a reusable tote or a simple grocery bag, it acts as a barrier between your shoes and your clothes.”

The Risk of Infection

But while the thought of contamination may send shivers down your spine, Tierno reassures us that while your shoes might harbor some ‘gross’ stuff, the risk of actually falling ill from these bacteria is relatively low. "Yes, you can pick up unsettling things from the street, but the chance of infection is minimal," he explains.

Alternative Precautions

Saskia Popescu, a senior infection prevention epidemiologist at HonorHealth and George Mason University, shares in the sentiment that shoes are undeniably dirty. While she advises against plastic bags for her own personal use, she’s more inclined to clean the soles with disinfecting wipes than to bag them unless they are covered in something particularly grim.

Indoor Bacteria Spread

Further complicating the issue, Gerba highlights that wearing shoes indoors can also spread bacteria throughout your home. "Shoes are excellent transporters of microorganisms. If you’re immunocompromised or suffer from allergies, removing your shoes before entering your home is a wise practice," he warns.

Conclusion

As travel continues to rise after the pandemic, it’s crucial to be aware of what we might be unwittingly bringing back from our adventures. By taking simple precautions like bagging shoes and cleaning soles, we can ensure that our suitcase comes home with just happy memories—and maybe a few souvenirs, too!