The top germiest places in the mall

The top germiest places in the mall

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/25/health/germiest-places-mall/index.html?hpt=he_c2

With the busy shopping season ahead of us, a panel of experts have rated the worst germ spots at the mall and listed some helpful hints to avoid getting a nasty cold for the holidays.

1. Restroom sinks – because people touch them right after using the toilet and they are a moist environment where bacteria fester and survive a long time. Use a paper towel to turn off the handles and open the door.

2. Food court tables – the rags used to wipe them down can be full of E. coli. Use a disinfecting wipe to clean the table yourself.

3. Escalator handrails – traces of food, E. coli, urine, mucus, feces, and blood have been found on handrails and if there is mucus there can be cold and flu viruses. Avoid touching them.

4. ATM keypads- especially the “enter” button. Experts recommend knuckling the keys to avoid germs on your fingertips and then washing hands or using hand sanitizer.

5. Toy stores – germier than play areas, carousels, and other kid-friendly zones. Wipe down any toy that isn’t sealed in a box.

6. Fitting rooms – actually the clothes that are tried on have bacteria from other people, even antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Wash new clothes before you wear them.

7. Gadget shops – viruses easily transfer between fingertips and glass surfaces such as iPads and smartphones according to the Journal of Applied Microbiology. And bacteria such as Staph. aureus have been found on iPads in Apple Stores that were sampled. Again use a disinfecting wipe before touching the screens.

8. Makeup samples – A 2005 study found 67% to 100% of makeup counter testers were contaminated with bacteria, including E. coli, strep, and staph. Avoid using or wipe down with tissue and then only apply to the back of your hand.

The key to avoiding germs is to frequently wash your hands lathering for at least 20 seconds and to use paper towels to turn off the faucet. If hand washing isn’t available, use at least one tablespoon of hand sanitizer.