Beware of germs in the supermarket! Shopping cart handles are usually germ-laden, as is that pen you sign your credit card slip with. Always wash your hands after using a shopping cart, or use a hand sanitizer such as Purell*. Think healthy and use your own pen for signature purposes. If you have accepted coins, keep your hands away from your mouth and nose, and wash them as soon as possible.
Wash all fruits and vegetables as soon as you get them home, and rinse all beverage cans in soapy water if you intend drinking directly from them.
Escalator and stair handrails, and elevator buttons are frequently touched by people with colds. Viruses can live on these hard surfaces for as long as 48 hours.

Of course, you make sure your work phone, keyboard and other shared objects are cleaned regularly with an antibacterial/ antiviral wipe—but what about the handle of the lunch room refrigerator, the microwave door and the coffee pot? Touching these objects, then handling your lunch is a sure-fire way to spread germs—to yourself.
Back to the subject of money: Consider how many people have used the ATM before you. (As many as 20 per cent of users will have a cold or other winter respiratory ailment.) One study found that ATM keypads had more bacteria than the door handles in public washrooms. Once again, be sure to wash your hands or use your hand sanitizer after using an ATM.
Travel presents a number of opportunities for germs to travel as well. When the previous guests checked out of your hotel room, they may have left something behind: cold germs. One study found that hotel light, faucets, switches, pens and remote controls were covered in germs, even after the room was cleaned in preparation for new guests. Rental cars also present a risk as they are often handled by a number of employees after being cleaned. By far the germiest place encountered while travelling is the airplane washroom. Since the faucet barely fails to provide enough water for a thorough hand-wash, be sure to use your hand sanitizer when you return to your seat.

Hand Sanitizer to the Rescue

Carrying hand sanitizer with you is a smart way to beat the germs that cause winter ills. While it is generally agreed in health circles that proper hand-washing is the best way to kill germs, soap and water are not always available, especially at social gatherings.

Purell* hand sanitizer kills over 99.9 per cent of germs that cause common illnesses and is available in a number of formulations and sizes. (Choose between Original, Aloe or Spring Bloom, in squeeze or pump bottles, or try the gentle-onyour- hands Purell* Moisture Therapy.)

The triple pack Purell* is especially useful as you can keep a bottle in the car, one in your purse or briefcase and another at home or work, to be extra sure your hands are germ-free.