The Germ War

You are the prime target on the battleground of germ warfare. The enemy army of germs, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, is hiding on every surface that it can find, just waiting to make you sick. The germs are even clinging to places you would not expect, such as your intestinal tract. At this very moment, you have close to a pound of bacteria in your body. We are able to live in peace with 99% of the germs in our environment, but there are a few that can get nasty, causing illnesses such as a cold, the flu, diarrhea, or a number of other infections.

Behind Enemy Lines: Where Are They Hiding?

Some places you would think would be covered with disease-causing germs, but actually are not:

Your coffee mug

Even drinking week-old coffee covered with green fuzz will do little harm.

The Laundromat washing machine

Traces of E. coli will not survive bleach, and 20 minutes in a hot dryer will kill most germs.

The bottom of your shoe

Common soil-bacteria tend to be harmless.

Money

Metal coins and paper bills are generally too dry to support bacteria.

Urine on the toilet seat

Although disgusting, it is a nearly sterile liquid.

The gym bench

The salt in sweat inhibits the growth of most bacteria.

Hotel bed linens

They are generally too dry to harbor dangerous bacteria.

Able to make you sick, but unlikely:

Your dog

Unless your dog makes a habit of eating animal waste, the chances are he is pretty harmless. It is still a good idea to refrain from kissing him on the mouth, and be sure to wash your hands after touching anything that has been in his jaws.

Restaurant tables

Since most tables are washed off with the same rag, it is a good idea to keep your silverware off of the table surface.

The Communion chalice

You have a good chance of picking up a sore throat from the rim, but the alcohol in the wine kills most germs.

Pretzels and nuts at the bar

The person who picked from the bowl before you may not have washed his hands after using the bathroom, but the chances of getting sick from this source are very small. The chances increase if you have recently taken antacid, as it reduces the stomach acids that kill bacteria.

The public swimming pool

As long as you keep your mouth closed underwater, you are pretty safe.

The fish tank

Marine bacteria can cause painful infections in tiny cuts on your hands. Wear dishwashing gloves.

The convenience store coffee area

Make sure that whatever might touch the coffee or your mouth, such as the stirrer, does not come in contact with the countertop.

Worth avoiding:

Public pay phones

The receiver handle, mouthpiece, and buttons can harbor influenza and rhinoviruses.

Women's restrooms

Generally contains twice as many germs as the men's room.

The kitchen sponge

By keeping it constantly moist and full of tiny food particles, you are providing the perfect home for bacteria. Disinfect it every night with a mixture of water and bleach, or zap it in the microwave, while damp, for 2 minutes.

The urinal handle, faucet, or doorknob in a men's restroom

Wash your hands, and use a paper towel to shut off the faucet and open the door.

Home-canned food

Always heat home-canned foods at a full boil for 10 minutes to kill any bacteria and prevent infection with botulism.

Water fountains

Can harbor the germs present in saliva.

Public baby changing stations

They are covered in fecal bacteria.

The highest risks:

Handshakes

Shake the hand of a sick co-worker and rub your nose an hour later, the next day you will have his cold. Your hands are perhaps the biggest spreader of germs, so wash them often.

The locker room shower floor

A wet, well-traveled floor is the perfect breeding ground for the fungus that causes athlete's foot. Wear sandals in the shower.

The hotel hot tub

It harbors warm water bacteria, which can cause skin and eye infections. If the water is foamy, or looks discolored, stay out.

Preschools and day care centers

Due to the large amount of fecal bacteria, it is only a matter of time before your children come home sick.

Frogs, lizards, and turtles from the local pond

Because of where they live, these creatures are covered with salmonella and fecal bacteria. Make sure your child washes his hands after every outdoor adventure.

Your doctor's stethoscope and pen

Because they touch dozens of patients simultaneously, these two items harbor infectious microbes. Make sure the stethoscope is swabbed with alcohol before your exam.

A one-night stand

Condoms cannot protect you from the human papilloma virus.

A pure mountain stream

No matter how clean the water seems, boil it before you drink it.

The kitchen cutting board

Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables, and rinse your boards with diluted bleach after each use.

The garbage disposal

Every time that it is turned on, bacteria are flying out of the drain and into the air.

The toilet

Each time that it is flushed your toilet propels invisible bacterial and viral aerosols into the air that can float for up to 2 hours.