Never underestimate the power of being small. Many a small thing had been able to put to shame big, formidable challenges quite unexpectedly. Think David and Goliath. In the same way, a group of tiny invaders known as germs can make even the healthiest person become sick when caught unguarded.



We live in an environment full of germs. No matter how frequent you wash your hands or how many times you bathe, you cannot totally get rid of them. They are a multitude of tiny organisms that cause illness. These microscopic body invaders include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other infectious organisms which could be present in the air we breathe, in the water we drink, or in the water that you use for washing the dishes and taking a bath. They are everywhere, practically in every surface that you can think of.

The following is a list of top ten places where germs may be found waiting for a host to infect:

Public Bathrooms. No matter how sparklingly clean it may appear, virtually any surface in a public restroom carries germs which may include intestinal bacteria, such as E.coli and Enterococcus, both of which cause diarrhea. Sitting on the toilet is not the main source of infection, but from touching the seat, stall door or sink. Germs gain entry into your system when you accidentally touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with an infected hand.

Home Kitchens and Restaurants. When kitchen employees do not practice good hygiene like hand washing especially after using the bathroom, they can easily taint food with fecal matter and, in the process, contaminate the food with infectious bacteria or viruses. Another possible source of infection is when we eat raw food which, at times, could also be tainted with a wide range of bacteria. Even ordering well-done food is not a guarantee against bacterial infections especially when a kitchen worker or waiter handles raw food and then touches your dinner plate.

Workplace. According to a study by University of Arizona microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba, surfaces used by teachers, accountants, and bankers have the most germs. Phones, desks, and computer keyboards are considered germ magnets.

Airplanes. Having so many people in close quarters for hours at a time is a breeding ground for germs. Upper respiratory infections are common in such cramped quarters because viruses and intestinal bacteria can spread easily during a flight. When someone has a bad cough, the surfaces throughout the cabin and particularly in the lavatory can harbor germs.

Hotels and Motels. Whether there's truth to the rumor that the bedspreads in hotels are never washed, these are not likely to spread germs. The bigger risk is found in the bathrooms that have not been properly cleaned, contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs or phones. While bed bugs living in the mattress or headboard may not carry the disease, their bites could cause allergic reactions.

Swimming Pool. Water-borne illnesses over the past decade have increased. A pool is easily contaminated when someone with diarrhea goes swimming. Chlorine doesn't always kill the germs immediately. Cryptosporidium can survive for days even in a properly disinfected pool.

Movie Theaters. This is another close quarter venue that draws many people for a couple of hours. Since viral infections can be contagious a day before symptoms appear, people infected with cold or flu virus may go to the movies without knowing they are sick.

Day Care Centers. Children are prone to getting fecal matter on their hands. Infection occurs when another child plays with a toy that was previously touched by another child's contaminated hand. This is called fecal-oral transmission, a common source of diarrheal illness in children. Since young kids love to put things in their mouth, shared toys can also become contaminated with saliva.

School. Whenever there are children, hygiene becomes questionable. While school-aged children may have grown out of their thumb or toy-sucking habits, they may be less than concerned about washing their hands when they should.

Doctor's Office and Hospitals. Since you are sharing a small space with many people who may have infectious illnesses inside a clinic, the waiting room chairs, doorknobs, toys, and even your doctor's clothing can become contaminated. Those most at risk for picking up germs at the doctor's office are patients who have some type of medical procedure. Hospitals have a high concentration of germs and vulnerable people in the same place. There is also increased risk of exposure to bacteria that are resistant to treatment with antibiotics.