When packing for a trip, most people focus on protecting spillable items like perfume and lotion in their suitcase, but may not realize the potential for hidden germs to lurk inside their bags. According to disease expert Philip M. Tierno, who is a professor of microbiology and pathology at New York University, shoes can harbor all sorts of gross substances from sidewalks and streets where people cough, spit, and even vomit. In fact, Dr. Charles Gerba, a professor of microbiology and environmental sciences at the University of Arizona, conducted a study which found that 93% of shoes have fecal bacteria on the bottom after being worn for more than a month.
To combat the spread of bacteria from shoes to other items in your suitcase, Tierno recommends placing each pair of shoes in a plastic bag before packing them. While it is unlikely that someone will get sick from whatever their shoes picked up, it is still a good precaution to take. However, some experts like Saskia Popescu, a senior infection prevention epidemiologist, aren’t as concerned about bagging shoes. Popescu personally doesn’t use plastic bags for her shoes, but instead places them in her suitcase with the bottoms facing the walls. She would rather wipe her shoes with a disinfectant wipe if they were dirty, instead of bagging them.
Even though shoes can be dirty and gross, they are unlikely to cause infections. Popescu admits that shoes are indeed dirty, but she believes that bagging them is not necessary unless they are visibly dirty. Gerba suggests that wearing shoes indoors can also spread the bacteria found on the soles of shoes throughout the home. He recommends taking off shoes indoors to prevent spreading germs, especially for individuals who are immunocompromised or have allergies. Therefore, being mindful of the germs on shoes and taking precautions while packing can help reduce the risk of contamination from your shoes while traveling.
In conclusion, the issue of bacteria on shoes is just one aspect of travel hygiene that individuals should consider when packing for a trip. While the idea of fecal bacteria on shoe soles may be unsettling, the risk of infection from contaminated shoes is relatively low. However, taking simple precautions such as placing shoes in plastic bags or wiping them with disinfectant wipes can help prevent the spread of germs in your suitcase and home. By being aware of the potential for hidden germs in unexpected places like shoes, travelers can take steps to protect themselves and reduce the risk of illness while on the go.
