Germs: Surprising Places Where They Lie in Wait

After a hectic day of working, running errands, carpooling kids, you have come in contact with all kinds of disgusting germs in more than the usual suspected places. While the obvious culprits lie in wait to infect your skin from the moment you wake up in the morning, from doorknobs and toilet handles, elevator buttons and the local coffee sugar bar, to grocery cart handles and office stairwells, evil dangerous germs lurk everywhere, many hidden where you wouldn't think to look.

Recently, HealthNews has been interested in the germ game, with tips for staying clear of these unruly and unwanted intruders to our immune systems. While it seems children’s doctor’s offices are par for the germ course, you may be surprised to learn, as I was, that women may be more sensitive to germs than men.

Here are a few of the sneaky places that unwanted germs hang out:

Credit Cards: These tiny germ magnets change hands more than any of us realize. With a lot of stores these days eliminating the self-serve swipe, opting instead for a teller or cashier to do it to protect against the rising identity theft throughout America, protect yourself by cleaning your cards (and wallet, if possible) with a disinfectant and wash your hands after using them while keeping your fingers off of your face.

Purse: A woman’s purse is a lot like a child’s safety blanket, forming a bond that no one can break. Aside from the ever-popular fanny pack trend from decades ago, a purse is socially acceptable and a handy go-to for everything besides the wallet that a woman may need, like tissues, a datebook, and sunglasses. The inside is full of germs but to keep them to a minimum, experts advise you not to put your purse on the floor or near the toilet while in a bathroom due to the rampant E. coli strains living there. As an added precaution, wipe your purse down with antibacterial wipes or sprays inside and out once a week.

Rings: Germs get caught between your skin and the rings. Professionals recommend delicately soaking rings in bleach cleaner once a week, rinsing thoroughly, and giving your skin a break overnight after you clean them.

Pockets: Pant and jacket pockets inevitably don’t get completely clean because they are on the inside of the fabric. Denim seems to be highly susceptible to germs because of its course nature, causing bacteria to grow and spread. The easiest solution is to pull out the pockets of your clothes prior to washing and set one load to hot (160 degrees does the trick) to burn away the invaders.

Cell Phones: Perhaps the biggest culprit is our beloved handheld devices. Now that cell phones can do almost anything for you, they can also get you sick. Women get makeup streaks on their phone screens daily and wiping those away transfers the dirt and grime to your fingers, pants, car seats, or wherever you may wipe your cell phone.Setting your phone down on counters, tables, and other common areas is also a bad habit. A new study found that three out of every four cell phones carry dangerous bacteria and one of those could be Staphylococcus. The solution for stopping the infection on your phone before it starts is found in specific electronic cleaners or a product called Wireless Wipes aimed at on-the-go satisfaction.

This list may evoke worry but now that you know where potentially harmful enemies are hiding—most within reach of your fingertips—you will also know how to ward them off to make your home and your family a little bit safer.