In a recent report titled “America’s Germ Capitals: The Cities Where You’re Most Likely to Get Sick,” health care group Soliant Health has identified the top ten cities in the United States most prone to germs and illness. The evaluation criteria included factors like air pollution, cold infection rates, asthma prevalence, bacteria levels on public transportation, and allergy rates, each contributing equally to a total score out of 100.
California has a notable presence in this list, claiming four spots. Topping the list is Bakersfield, with an unwellness index of 59.10, followed closely by Fresno at 57.89, and San Diego at 57.64. Sacramento rounds out the top ten with a score of 51.58.
Other cities making the list include New York City, Jackson in Mississippi, New Orleans, Memphis, Augusta in Georgia, and Baltimore.
You might wonder why Los Angeles and San Francisco didn’t make the cut. Interestingly, the Los Angeles metro area came in just shy of the top ten, sitting at 11th place with a score of 51.08, while San Francisco ranked 21st with a score of 47.35. Additionally, other California metro areas like Stockton, Riverside, and San Jose were ranked 13th, 17th, and 69th, respectively.
Soliant Health attributed Bakersfield’s top position to poor air quality and high asthma rates, both of which contribute to an increased likelihood of catching colds and other illnesses. In contrast, Honolulu ranked last with a score of 12.29 in the broader survey of 100 metropolitan areas, indicating that a clean environment and robust healthcare services significantly reduce residents’ chances of feeling unwell.
As winter approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of:
– Strengthening the immune system
– Avoiding close contact with others
– Getting vaccinated
– Washing hands frequently
– Staying hydrated
– Avoiding touching your face
