Flu season is here….and if you are buying into all of the hype about swine flu, that makes this years flu season even more overwhelming.  People are flocking to clinics and lining up for hours to get the vaccine, so obviously people are worried.  Lets have a look then at some other ways to prevent getting the bug.

The Top Ten Dirtiest Daily Objects

• Soap Dispensers - Believe it or not, this is the number one dirtiest thing you should avoid.  Most of these containers are rarely cleaned, and are simply refilled.  When you use one, be sure to scrub very well for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.

• Buttons - ATM machines, elevators, crosswalks, buttons are everywhere and everyone is touching them!  Of course, thats what they are there for.  Remember to wash those hands or apply some sanitizing gel!

• Water Fountains - When we’re sick, we’re told to drink lots of fluids.  Water being the number one fluid makes drinking fountains an obvious culprit of germs!  Avoid em and fill a reuasable water bottle at home.

• Shopping Carts – These could contain viral germs like the flu, or they could also contain e. coli and other such bacteria from products in the store.  Wipe the handle with a sanitizer if you can.  If not, wash those hands!

• Restaurant Menus – Have you ever wondered how often the menu books in restraurants are cleaned?  Me neither, but not too often!  Wash hands after you’ve ordered your food!

• Condiment Bottles – These usually sit on tables in restaurants waiting for you.  At the end of the night they are probably tucked away in the fridge until the next day.  Rarely washed, always used.  Wash your hands!

• Money - money passes many hands each and every day.  Theres no telling who had your bills before you did, so keep that in mind when handling cash!

• Phones - Very close proximity to the mouth……need I say more?

• Remote Controls – At least in your house you know who has been handling them, but remote controls are actually the dirtiest object found in hotel rooms.  Keep that in mind.

• Laundry Machines – At home sick?  What better time to get the laundromat trip done.  Wash your hands after visiting the laundromat!

In all honesty though, common sense should tell you whats dirty, and what you should try to avoid as far as germs go.  Wash your hands often and you can probably get away with avoiding the ‘necessary’ shots this season.