Earlier this month two cruise ships cut their trips short due to illness outbreaks onboard, Fox News reports. But if you plan on staying ashore, what are some of the germiest hotspots you encounter in your daily life?
GERM HOTSPOT: WORK
Culprit #1: Your Desk
Office desks harbor hundreds of times more bacteria per square inch than do the toilet seats in those same buildings, according to
Culprit #2: The Break Room's Refrigerator Door
In a study by the American Dietetic Association, 44 percent of office refrigerators are cleaned on a monthly basis— 22 percent are cleaned just once a year.
As if you needed another reminder to wash your mitts before eating.
GERM HOTSPOT: Public Restrooms
Culprit #1: Sinks
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Culprit #2: Hand Dryers
Rubbing your hands under a traditional dryer can boost the number of bacteria on your skin by up to 45 percent, a study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found. Use paper towels to dry—and to open the door as you leave.
GERM HOTSPOT: THE BANK
Culprit #1: ATM's
One study found that each key on an ATM harbors an average of 1,200 germs, including E.coli and cold and flu viruses,
Culprit #2: Cold, Hard Cash
Each bill contains an average of 26,000 bacteria, according to
GERM HOTSPOT: THE GROCERY STORE
Culprit #1: Carts
“In addition to germs from other shoppers and kids, raw meat may leak on the cart,” Stamm said. Wrap meat packages in a plastic bag before putting them in your cart, too.
Culprit #2: Reusable Shopping Bags
Ninety percent of shoppers don’t wash these bags regularly, according to another
GERM HOTSPOT: HOTEL ROOMS
Culprit #1: TV Clickers and Light Switches
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Culprit #2: Maid's Cleaning Cart
They’re packed with bacteria, meaning there’s a high risk of transferring those germs from one room to another. If you’re there for less than a few days, hang the Do Not Disturb sign to prevent acquiring bugs from other rooms during your stay.
GERM HOTSPOT: THE GYM
Culprit #1: Gym Weight Equipment
One study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found cold-causing viruses on 63 percent of the gym equipment. Researchers also discovered that weight equipment was contaminated significantly more often than aerobic equipment—73 percent versus 51 percent. Even worse: Disinfecting twice a day didn't do anything to lower the virus count since plenty of people still use them between wipe-downs. Your move: Pack your own hand sanitizer to use between sets.
Culprit #2: Weight-lifting Gloves
Japanese researchers found that staph bacteria found on weights and machines bind to polyester, the material used in many gloves.Ditch the gloves—not only will you avoid some of the germs, you’ll strengthen your grip and forearms when you lift without them.
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