Shopping for Germs

The approaching Holidays bring gift-giving opportunities--thus triggering trips to the mall.  As the number of shoppers increases, the germ count multiplies.  The germiest locations at the mall are hard to avoid, but with added awareness you can minimize your exposure to harmful germs.

8 germiest mall locations:
1. Restroom sinks--remember to wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
2. Food court tables
3. Escalator hand rails--"...we have found food, E. coli, urine, mucus, feces, and blood on escalator handrails"
4. ATM keypad 
5. Toy stores

6. Fitting rooms--while trying on clothes keep full coverage underwear on

7. Gadget stores--A study published last year in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that viruses easily transfer between glass surfaces (think iPad or smartphone faces) and fingertips
8. Make-up samples

Your best defense is thorough hand washing.  For more information and ways to prevent infection, please review this article. 

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