{"id":269,"date":"2026-07-21T00:54:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T00:54:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=269"},"modified":"2026-08-11T23:34:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T23:34:13","slug":"health-myths-debunked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/health-myths-debunked\/","title":{"rendered":"Debunking Common Health Myths"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"c-section c-section--not-top-padding  \" >\n    <div class=\"o-wrapper o-wrapper--small\">\n        <div class=\"c-section__content\">\n\n\n        <div class=\"o-component s-cms-content \" id=\"acf-cms-content-block_b21c2fe2881ca262e7080e00ad4e63a6\">\n                                      <p>You\u2019ve probably heard that going outside with wet hair will make you sick, that cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis, or that swallowed gum will stay in your stomach for years. These health myths have circulated for generations, passed down from well-meaning relatives, shared on social media, and repeated so often they feel like facts.<\/p>\n<p>But here\u2019s the truth: many of these claims simply don\u2019t hold up to modern research. And believing them can distract you from what actually matters for your health. Understanding the facts can help you make better decisions about preventive care, screenings, and when to seek medical advice\u2014services that are often covered by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/health-insurance-plans\/\">health insurance plans<\/a>.<\/p>\n                   <\/div>\n\n\n        <div class=\"o-component s-cms-content \" id=\"acf-cms-content-block_be3dd13ff5745713434caa567df10a26\">\n                            <h2 >Understanding Why Health Myths Spread<\/h2>                                      <p>Health myths persist for several reasons. Social media algorithms amplify dramatic claims, family advice gets passed down without question, and complex medical topics are often simplified into memorable\u2014but sometimes misleading\u2014rules. Health misinformation is prevalent, with data from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.edelman.com\/trust\/2026\/trust-barometer\/special-report-health\" rel=\"noopener\">Edelman Trust Barometer<\/a> showing many individuals believe in at least one major health myth.<\/p>\n                   <\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"c-list-check\">\n                        <li class=\"c-list-check__item\">\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n            <p><strong>Old wives tales filled knowledge gaps: <\/strong> Before germ theory existed, sayings like \u201cfeed a cold, starve a fever\u201d were early attempts to explain illness.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n                    <li class=\"c-list-check__item\">\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n            <p><strong>Fear drives oversimplification: <\/strong> Worry about heart disease can push people toward simple but wrong rules (\u201cnever eat eggs\u201d) instead of evidence-based screening and lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n                    <li class=\"c-list-check__item\">\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n            <p><strong>Outdated headlines stick around: <\/strong> Early cholesterol research demonized egg yolks, and many people remember those stories long after the science evolved.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n                    <li class=\"c-list-check__item\">\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n            <p><strong>Health myths often stem from outdated advice<\/strong>, cultural traditions, or deceptive marketing that sounds convincing but lacks scientific backing.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n        \n\n        <div class=\"o-component s-cms-content \" id=\"acf-cms-content-block_9ed1208590975f4244c02be87a822a05\">\n                                      <p>Coverage Fox encourages readers to use their health insurance benefits to discuss questions with licensed clinicians rather than viral posts.<\/p>\n                   <\/div>\n\n\n        <div class=\"o-component s-cms-content \" id=\"acf-cms-content-block_9fae5a63e399e8426c3c9e703311345c\">\n                            <h2 >Myths About Everyday Habits<\/h2>                                      <p>Almost everyone has heard health advice about water intake, knuckle cracking, or cold weather exposure. Let\u2019s separate fact from fiction on these common daily-life myths.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: You Must Drink Eight Glasses of Water a Day<\/h3>\n<p>The \u201ceight glasses\u201d rule originated from a 1945 misinterpretation of a U.S. Food and Nutrition Board recommendation. That guidance included all fluids and water-rich foods, not just plain water.<\/p>\n<p>Research shows that a fixed volume of water consumption is wrong and not supported by scientific evidence. The common myth that everyone must drink eight glasses of water a day is misleading; healthy individuals typically need about four to six cups of water daily, especially if they also consume water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.<\/p>\n<p>Hydration needs depend on individual factors, including age, biological sex, activity level, and hot climate, meaning people who are more active or spend time in heat may need more water. A simple check: if your urine is pale yellow, you\u2019re likely well-hydrated. Dark yellow urine may signal that you need more fluids. Waiting until you are thirsty to drink water may indicate that your body is already beginning to be dehydrated, so it\u2019s better to drink water throughout the day.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: Cracking Your Knuckles Causes Arthritis<\/h3>\n<p>That popping sound comes from cavitation, the rapid formation and collapse of gas bubbles in synovial joint fluid, not bones grinding together. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jabfm.org\/content\/24\/2\/169\" rel=\"noopener\">study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine<\/a> followed 215 subjects over 50 years and found habitual crackers had similar arthritis rates compared to non-crackers.<\/p>\n<p>If cracking actually causes severe pain, that warrants evaluation by a doctor for underlying issues like ligament problems. Otherwise, researchers have found no link between this habit and joint damage.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: Cold Weather Itself Makes You Sick<\/h3>\n<p>Spending time in cold air does not directly cause illness, and you do not catch colds or flu from cold air itself; rather, it is viruses and bacteria that lead to colds and flu. A <a href=\"https:\/\/news.yale.edu\/2015\/01\/05\/cold-virus-replicates-better-cooler-temperatures\" rel=\"noopener\">Yale study<\/a> exposed healthy volunteers to rhinovirus after cold air exposure versus room temperature and found no increased infection rates from cold alone.<\/p>\n<p>Colds and flu are more prevalent in winter months because people tend to stay indoors in close proximity to others, facilitating the spread of viruses. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/about\/season.html\" rel=\"noopener\">CDC data<\/a> shows 20\u201330% higher flu incidence December through February. Research indicates that while cold weather does not increase the likelihood of getting infected, it can exacerbate symptoms if a virus is already present in the body.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: Any Temperature Above 98.6\u00b0F is a Fever<\/h3>\n<p>The 98.6\u00b0F baseline comes from 1868 research by Carl Wunderlich. Modern studies show normal body temperature ranges from roughly 97\u00b0F to 99\u00b0F, varying by time of day, age, and measurement method. Most U.S. medical professionals define fever around 100.4\u00b0F (38\u00b0C).<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re unsure whether symptoms like fever or dehydration need medical attention, use telehealth or in-network urgent care covered by most health plans.<\/p>\n                   <\/div>\n\n\n        <div class=\"o-component s-cms-content \" id=\"acf-cms-content-block_2752ad44d067450c9436e6c3a11e9b76\">\n                            <h2 >Nutrition and Diet Myths<\/h2>                                      <p>Diet advice changes quickly, and outdated nutrition myths still influence grocery choices today. Here\u2019s what current research actually supports.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: Egg Yolks Are Always Bad for Your Heart<\/h3>\n<p>Eating an egg or two a day does not raise the risk of heart disease in healthy individuals, and eggs contain nutrients like omega-3s that may lower heart disease risk. An <a href=\"https:\/\/ajcn.nutrition.org\/article\/S0002-9165(22)01058-9\/fulltext\" rel=\"noopener\">American Journal of Clinical Nutrition meta-analysis<\/a>\u00a0reviewing 1.7 million participants found no increased risk from up to one egg daily. Eggs also remain nutritious overall; for example, frying them in butter is less heart-healthy than simpler cooking methods.<\/p>\n<p>Research indicates that most healthy people can consume up to seven eggs per week without increasing their risk of heart disease, although those with diabetes may need to limit their intake. Eggs are low-calorie and nutrient-dense, providing a great source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, which is important for bone health.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: All Dietary Fat Is Unhealthy<\/h3>\n<p>This myth ignores the difference between harmful and healthy fats. Trans fats and some saturated fats are linked to higher heart disease risk, raising LDL cholesterol significantly. But monounsaturated fats (olive oil, avocados) and polyunsaturated fats (salmon\u2019s omega-3s, nuts, seeds) support brain health and help absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/full\/10.1056\/NEJMoa1800389\" rel=\"noopener\">Mediterranean diet trials like PREDIMED<\/a> (7,447 participants) showed 30% cardiovascular risk reduction with healthy fat intake.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: Carbs Will Automatically Make You Gain Weight<\/h3>\n<p>The truth lies in distinguishing refined carbs, including foods high in sugar, from complex carbs. Whole grains like oats, beans, quinoa, and brown rice have lower glycemic indexes and their fiber helps keep blood sugar levels steadier than refined carbs, which matters especially for people with diabetes.<\/p>\n<p>Weight gain comes from excess calories of any type, not carbs alone. Portion control matters more than eliminating entire food groups.<\/p>\n                   <\/div>\n\n\n        <div class=\"o-component s-cms-content \" id=\"acf-cms-content-block_42e9393830a441b08f907cbda9730656\">\n                            <h2 >Infections, Immunity, and \u201cQuick Fix\u201d Remedies<\/h2>                                      <p>People often rely on simple fixes like cranberry juice or \u201cextra vitamin C\u201d instead of seeking proper medical care for infections. Let\u2019s clarify what works and what doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: Cranberry Juice Cures Urinary Tract Infections<\/h3>\n<p>While cranberry products may slightly reduce the risk of UTI recurrence (26\u201339% in some women per <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cochranelibrary.com\/cdsr\/doi\/10.1002\/14651858.CD001321.pub7\/full\" rel=\"noopener\">Cochrane reviews<\/a>), they do not cure existing urinary tract infections. Symptoms like burning or fever require professional care and usually antibiotics; cranberry juice cannot replace medical treatment.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: Green Mucus Always Means You Need Antibiotics<\/h3>\n<p>Mucus color alone cannot distinguish viral from bacterial infections. About <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ajmc.com\/view\/nov04-1972p3-8\" rel=\"noopener\">90% of acute rhinosinusitis cases are viral<\/a> and resolve within 7\u201310 days without antibiotics. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral illnesses such as colds, flu, and stomach flu (norovirus).<\/p>\n<p>If symptoms include high fever, chest pain, or last more than 10 days, see an in-network primary care provider. Otherwise, the common cold typically resolves on its own. Practicing good hand hygiene helps prevent spreading viruses through the mouth and other contact points.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: Handwashing Isn\u2019t a Big Deal in Everyday Life<\/h3>\n<p>Regular handwashing with soap and water (or 60% alcohol hand sanitizer) cuts respiratory infections by 16\u201321% and diarrheal illness by 30\u201348%. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/campaigns\/world-hand-hygiene-day\/2021\/key-facts-and-figures\" rel=\"noopener\">Pandemic-era studies<\/a> reinforced that proper hand hygiene remains one of the most effective preventive measures. Paper towel drying is more hygienic than air dryers for removing germs.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t overlook high-touch surfaces like door handles, they can harbor pathogens that spread through hand-to-face contact.<\/p>\n                   <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Debunking-Common-Health-Myths-2.png\" alt=\"Person washing hands with soap under running water, illustrating handwashing and common medical myths about hygiene and germ prevention.\" class=\"wp-image-300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Debunking-Common-Health-Myths-2.png 720w, https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/07\/Debunking-Common-Health-Myths-2-300x133.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n        <div class=\"o-component s-cms-content \" id=\"acf-cms-content-block_4ced941d824f3f6f3271782378306621\">\n                            <h2 >Cancer, Heart Disease, and Other Serious Conditions<\/h2>                                      <p>Myths about cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses can delay lifesaving screening or create false reassurance. Here\u2019s what the evidence actually shows.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: There\u2019s Nothing You Can Do to Prevent Cancer<\/h3>\n<p>There is a common myth that you cannot do anything to prevent cancer, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting regular screenings can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/health-topics\/cancer#tab=tab_2\" rel=\"noopener\">WHO estimates 30\u201350% of cancers are preventable through<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Not smoking (cuts risk 20\u201330%)<\/li>\n<li>Exercise (150 min\/week lowers risk 25%)<\/li>\n<li>Maintaining BMI under 25 (reduces risk 10\u201320%)<\/li>\n<li>Following screening guidelines for skin cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Antiperspirants do not cause breast cancer, and the National Cancer Institute says there is no evidence linking their use to the disease. Wearing a bra does not cause breast cancer, and maintaining a healthy weight and avoid alcohol are more effective ways to lower risk.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: Heart Disease Only Affects Older Men<\/h3>\n<p>Heart disease is the leading cause of death for U.S. women and men. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/heart-disease\/about\/women-and-heart-disease.html\" rel=\"noopener\">CDC data<\/a> shows 1 in 3 women die from it. Women can develop it in their 40s and 50s, especially post-menopause when estrogen drops raise risk 2\u20133 fold.<\/p>\n<p>Conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated LDL in midlife significantly increase risk. Preventive care, including routine check-ups and screenings, is essential for identifying chronic diseases early.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: Only Men Get Kidney Stones<\/h3>\n<p>Women are also affected, about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.renalandurologynews.com\/reports\/kidney-stone-prevalence-increasing-among-women-in-united-states\/\" rel=\"noopener\">1 in 12 women experience a kidney stone<\/a> in their lifetime, and kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that can be very painful to pass. Prevention includes adequate water daily intake (2.5\u20133L), moderating sodium (&lt; 2,300mg), and balanced calcium intake.<\/p>\n<p>Most health plans cover screenings like mammograms, blood pressure checks, cholesterol panels, and diabetes testing. Coverage Fox helps compare plans so these preventive services remain affordable and easy to access.<\/p>\n                   <\/div>\n\n\n        <div class=\"o-component s-cms-content \" id=\"acf-cms-content-block_4f03c4f5187627514dfdc75f8e8cc3e8\">\n                            <h2 >Fact-Checking Classic \u201cOld Wives Tales\u201d<\/h2>                                      <p>Many persistent health myths started as old wives tales long before antibiotics, vaccines, or modern diagnostic tests. Let\u2019s address a few you\u2019ve probably heard.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: Spicy Foods Cause Stomach Ulcers<\/h3>\n<p>Most ulcers are due to Helicobacter pylori infection (90%) or long-term NSAID use like ibuprofen (15\u201320% of users). <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC8909049\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Research suggests<\/a> certain spicy foods like chili peppers may even support gut blood flow, though they can irritate existing gastritis.<\/p>\n<p>Treatment for H. pylori involves triple therapy with 85\u201390% eradication rates, not avoiding food.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: Swallowed Gum Stays in Your Body for Seven Years<\/h3>\n<p>Swallowed chewing gum passes through the digestive system within a few days, not seven years. The gum base is mostly indigestible but inert, and complications only arise when large amounts are swallowed frequently.<\/p>\n<h3>Myth: The 10,000 Steps Goal Is Scientifically Proven<\/h3>\n<p>The popular 10,000 steps per day target actually originated from a 1960s Japanese marketing campaign for a pedometer, not scientific research. Similarly, the myth that people use only 10% of their brains is false\u2014brain imaging shows almost every part is active throughout the day. While walking is beneficial for health, one study found that health improvements plateau around 6,000 to 8,000 steps daily for most adults. This means you don\u2019t need to hit 10,000 steps to gain meaningful cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. Instead, focus on regular movement that fits your lifestyle and gradually increases your overall activity level.<\/p>\n<p>When in doubt, consult a licensed clinician rather than relying on viral posts. Use your plan\u2019s telehealth or nurse advice line if available.<\/p>\n                   <\/div>\n\n\n        <div class=\"o-component s-cms-content \" id=\"acf-cms-content-block_2d935a1e73cf309dbafe06215affdc1d\">\n                            <h2 >How Accurate Information and Insurance Work Together<\/h2>                                      <p>Busting health myths is only useful if you can also access real care, checkups, lab tests, and screenings. That\u2019s where having the right <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/plan-comparison-overview\/\">health insurance plan<\/a> matters.<\/p>\n                   <\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"c-list-check\">\n                        <li class=\"c-list-check__item\">\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n            <p><strong>Health plans cover preventive services: <\/strong> Annual wellness visits, vaccinations, blood pressure checks, and many cancer screenings come at no extra cost when using in-network providers, and while medicines like blood thinners can lower the risk of clots, they do not make you immune, so ongoing monitoring still matters.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n                    <li class=\"c-list-check__item\">\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n            <p><strong>Coverage Fox helps compare plans strategically: <\/strong> We look beyond premiums and deductibles to evaluate preventive benefits and networks so you can act on what you learn about breast cancer, heart disease, and other conditions; even if you use a daily multivitamin to help fill nutrition gaps, supplements do not replace evidence-based care or screenings.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n                    <li class=\"c-list-check__item\">\n            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n            <p><strong>Schedule evidence-based services: <\/strong> Mammograms starting around age 40\u201345, cholesterol tests in adulthood, and colon cancer screening beginning near age 45 are covered by most plans.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n        \n\n\n        <div class=\"c-cta-widget\">\n            <div class=\"c-cta-widget__content\">\n                                    <h2 class=\"c-cta-widget__title\">Get the Coverage You Need for Better Health<\/h2>\n                                                    <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n                        <p>Don\u2019t let health myths stand in the way of informed healthcare decisions. With the right coverage, you can access preventive care, screenings, telehealth services, and professional medical guidance when you need it most. Explore your options by getting a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/plan-comparison-overview\/\">free quote online<\/a> or give us a call at <a href=\"tel:888-676-4710\"><strong>888-676-4710<\/strong><\/a> to speak with a licensed agent today.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                                <div class=\"c-form-field c-form-field__wrapper\" id=\"cta-widget\"><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <picture class=\"c-cta-widget__pic\">\n              <source media=\"(min-width: 43.75em)\" \n              srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/01\/Ima-family-lg.webp, \n              https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/01\/Ima-family-lg_2x-746x688.webp 2x\">\n              <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-cta-widget__img\" \n              src=\"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/themes\/coveragefox\/assets\/images\/components\/hero\/ima-main-banner-lg.webp\" \n              srcset=\"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/01\/Ima-family-lg.webp 2x\" \n              alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"280\" height=\"266\">\n            <\/picture>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n                        <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n    <div class=\"c-section c-section--bg-white c-section--not-top-padding\" id=\"acf-general-faqs-block_20cf9855fd4fa736166fca50e58e3d26\">\n        <div class=\" o-wrapper o-wrapper--small c-section__content\">\n        <div class=\"c-section-header\">\n            <div class=\"c-section-header__content\">\n                <h2 class=\"c-section-header__title c-section-header__title--medium c-section-header__title--centered\">FAQs Debunking Health Myths<\/h2>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"c-faqs\">\n                                                <details class=\"c-faqs__details\" open>\n                        <summary class=\"c-faqs__summary\">\n                            <h3 class=\"c-faqs__question\">How can I quickly tell if a health claim I see online is a myth?<\/h3>\n                        <\/summary>\n                        <div class=\"c-faqs__answer\">\n                            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n                                <p>Look for the source, reputable sites like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/index.html\" rel=\"noopener\">CDC<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">NIH<\/a>, or major medical centers are reliable. Check the publication date (aim for information from the last 5\u20137 years) and see whether multiple independent medical sites agree. Dramatic \u201cmiracle cures\u201d or \u201cone food that causes all disease\u201d headlines are red flags. An associate professor at a respected institution carries more weight than an anonymous social media account.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/details>\n                                        <details class=\"c-faqs__details\" >\n                        <summary class=\"c-faqs__summary\">\n                            <h3 class=\"c-faqs__question\">Do I really need screenings if I feel healthy and have no symptoms?<\/h3>\n                        <\/summary>\n                        <div class=\"c-faqs__answer\">\n                            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n                                <p>Yes. Many serious conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, early heart disease, and early breast or colon cancer, cause no symptoms initially. That\u2019s why guidelines recommend age-based screenings for healthy people as you turn certain ages, such as around 40\u201345 for mammograms and around 45 for colon cancer screening. Most health plans cover these preventive visits.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/details>\n                                        <details class=\"c-faqs__details\" >\n                        <summary class=\"c-faqs__summary\">\n                            <h3 class=\"c-faqs__question\">Are frozen and canned fruits and vegetables less nutritious than fresh ones?<\/h3>\n                        <\/summary>\n                        <div class=\"c-faqs__answer\">\n                            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n                                <p>Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh produce because they are often processed at peak ripeness, preserving their vitamins and minerals. Choosing options without added sugars or salt ensures you get the most health benefits. These convenient forms are great for maintaining a balanced diet, especially when fresh produce is out of season or costly.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/details>\n                                        <details class=\"c-faqs__details\" >\n                        <summary class=\"c-faqs__summary\">\n                            <h3 class=\"c-faqs__question\">Are toilet seats a common source of germs that make you sick?<\/h3>\n                        <\/summary>\n                        <div class=\"c-faqs__answer\">\n                            <div class=\"s-cms-content\">\n                                <p>Toilet seats are often thought to be dirty, but studies show they are usually cleaner than bathroom door handles, floors, and sink areas. Germs like E. coli and norovirus are more commonly found on these surfaces because of frequent touching and less cleaning. Proper handwashing after using the bathroom is the best way to prevent illness, making toilet seats a less significant risk than many believe.<\/p>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/details>\n                                        <\/div>\n                \n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":273,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-269","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-wellness"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=269"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":302,"href":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/269\/revisions\/302"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/273"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=269"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=269"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.coveragefox.com\/knowledge-center\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=269"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}