Things that carry more germs than cold hard cash

Cash is one of the grossest things that people can come in contact with. Cash switches hands so many times that it gets pretty gross. There is even a strain of H1N1 virus that can live on paper money for up to three days. This makes it difficult for some people NOT to get the flu. So what are some of the most gross things that people can come in contact with on a a daily basis?

This is the list compiled by Consumer Reports:

1. Doctors’ neck ties. A doctor’s tie can be a carrier of some pretty harsh bacteria and viruses. Not to mention, if you go to the doctor and come in contact with the tie, you’re probably not the first person to do so that day. Some of the things that have been known to travel on doctor’s ties includes MRSA.

2. The office candy bowl. In my opinion, this is kind of like the bowl of peanuts at the bar that people talk about. When tested in a lab, bar peanuts are shown to have traces of urine on them. With other people’s hands you can never be sure what you’re getting yourself into. People will dig around in a candy bowl until they find what they want and it can get pretty gross in there.

3. Library books. Of course there would be a lot of germs living on library books. After all, when a book is popular it may switch hands many times a month. Also, everyone knows someone (or might just be guilty of this themselves) that licks their thumb before turning the page. Now, think of all the people who could have done that before you checked out the book. It’s kind of gross.

4. Bathroom door handles. I could not actually tell you how many times I’ve gone to the restroom and seen people walk out without washing their hands. This is why every time I leave the restroom, I take an extra towel with me to open the door with. I’m not going to risk touching a bathroom door because someone before me decided they couldn’t take 30 seconds to wash their hands.

5. Telephone receivers. There aren’t too many public telephones anymore, but what about at work? I know when I was working in an office a few years ago, many people switched telephones around the office. It was gross to think about all the germs that may have ended up on the receiver or anywhere else on the phone. I just had to keep a box of Lysol wipes at my desk. (I’m not a germaphobe)

6. Kids. Hey grandparents, this is kind of interesting. Parents can become immune to the germs that kids pick up, but grandparents who only take care of the children from time to time never become immune and can get sick easier. The worst culprits are kids ages 4-12.

7. The movies, theater, or opera. Large groups of people in an enclosed space equals some pretty serious germ spreading. This is also a great way to pick up viruses and other ailments.

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