As the flu spreads, we may think we've cleaned our homes and offices and are now safe, but there are plenty of places where germs still lurk.
Many places you visit and the things you use everyday could be contaminated. Dr. Kathryn Teng, Associate Staff Physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, reminds us that one of the easiest places to pick up germs is at the grocery store. "Grocery carts are a huge source of germs and a huge source of viruses and transmission of viruses. So you know, as you can imagine, someone comes along, they're not feeling well. They're still going to go grocery shopping, so they're touching the cart, blowing their nose then touching the cart and then the next person comes along, uses the cart and picks up those germs. Those germs can live on that grocery cart for 48 hours." You may want to use an anti-bacterial wipe on the cart before you start shopping. A lot of stores provide them. A final tip about the grocery store: try wiping down the checkout counter before you place your items on the belt.
And don't forget the gym. People share equipment and so they'll share germs, too. Before you use something, wipe it down.
For women, moist makeup can be a breeding ground for bacteria. They might want to change makeup a little more often.
