by Linda Joyce

Created on: August 16, 2009

This article may make you feel sick, most likely because you didn't realize how germ-laden all public places are. Better to have this knowledge, though, then to go through life picking up germs without giving it a thought.

Following are the top public places where people come into contact with germs:

Bathrooms

Public bathrooms are disasters waiting to happen. From the moment you open the door, to using the facilities, washing up, and leaving, there are millions, possibly billions, of germs on things such as doorknobs, faucets, sinks and countertops, toilet seats, and more. Your best line of defense is using toilet seat liners (or just toilet paper, if necessary); and when you wash your hands, turn off faucets with a paper towel. Also, use a paper towel to open the door when leaving.

Public telephones

Any phone used by hordes of people, whether in Grand Central Station or your own office, is a great congregating place for germs. You may not be able to control the cleanliness of a public phone (and today most people have cell phones to use on the go), but at the office, you can use spray disinfectant to keep your phones sanitary every day. Remember to let the spray dry and not to wipe it off.

Computers, keyboards, and desktops

Again, your office is just teeming with germs. When other people borrow your computer or sit at your desk for even a few moments, you can add their germs to what's already accumulated there. You have far less control using these items in a more public area.

Buses, airplanes, and other public transportation

Touch any surface (poles, railings, seats, etc.) on any public conveyance and you can be sure they are laden with germs. And how often do you think they change those disposable head rests on airplanes? While we're on the subject of airplanes, just the air quality alone can make you sick. Flying out of the country? What are the chances you won't be sick in a few days from the passenger two seats away who keeps sneezing and hacking? Good luck!

Elevator buttons, vending machine buttons, shopping cart handles

This is just a miscellaneous list of other areas you might not think of where germs lurk. As far as the shopping cart handles are concerned, many markets are now providing wipes at entrances to their stores so you can sanitize your cart before using it.

Restaurants

God only knows what goes on in the kitchen of most restaurants. We don't really want to know, do we? And how about that sign in the bathroom,

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