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Thrift-store shopping can be an exciting way to score great deals, but before you wear your new finds, washing and disinfecting secondhand clothes. Clothing can contain germs like bacteria, fungi, viruses and even parasites, which can cause illness.

This is especially true during flu season, which typically lasts from .

If you have experienced flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cold, cough, sneezing or sore throat, you may still be contagious up to 10 days after starting medication. However, secondhand germs can live on clothing for months, especially in humid places.

To best combat these germs during flu season, here are some things to keep in mind when adding to your wardrobe:

1. Effectively wash your clothes

To sanitize your thrifted finds, wash your items in hot water (around 140掳F), use a sanitized setting or add a laundry sanitizer. Even if an item looks clean or is new, it may still carry flu germs or bacteria from previous owners or those who tried it on. For any items that can鈥檛 be washed, spot clean and toss in the dryer to kill any lingering germs.

2. Wear gloves

Wearing disposable gloves or a protective layer can give you peace of mind when fighting against fast fashion. This allows you to freely touch clothes without constantly using hand sanitizer. After your thrift trip, you can throw them away, significantly reducing your chances of catching a cold or infection.

3. Avoid touching your face

Contact with contaminated surfaces, like clothing, can transfer germs from your hands to your mouth, nose, or eyes when you touch your face. The flu virus can be transferred onto clothes when someone coughs, sneezes or touches the fabric, leaving behind trace amounts.

4. Avoid crowded thrift stores

Some shoppers may only have a certain time of day when they can head to the thrift store, which sometimes coincides with a store鈥檚 most crowded time. However, visiting the thrift store during slow periods can significantly reduce your risk of encountering unwanted germs.

5. Boost your immunity

People with weakened immune systems are more likely to be affected by secondhand germs, especially during flu season. Since this group is more vulnerable, it鈥檚 vital to take extra precautions by staying hydrated, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, getting 7-8 hours of sleep and staying up to date on your flu vaccine. You can also take immune system boosters like vitamins C and D, zinc and iron.

By remembering these tips during your next shopping trip, you can have peace of mind that the only thing you鈥檙e picking up is a good deal.

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