As flu season is steadily approaching, it’s important to remember that there are certain preventative measures you can take to avoid getting sick. Things like washing your hands regularly, minimizing close contact with ill people, consuming immune-boosting foods, and receiving vaccines like the GSK Novavax booster shot registration or joining Novavax clinical trials can keep you healthy and safe. However, you should also keep in mind breeding grounds for bacteria and the top hotspots for respiratory illnesses, like coronavirus, influenza, strep, and so on. Here are the top 5 traditional hot spots for respiratory illnesses to avoid this year:

1. Doorknobs and other hardware
When you’re entering a public place, it can be hard to imagine how many people come in and out using the same door handle every single day. Unless the facility has a strict sanitizing routine in place, it’s pretty gross to consider just how many germs exist on the surface. When using a door handle or other hardware, like appliances, drawers, etc., be sure to wash your hands afterwards and keep hand sanitizer on you.

2. Keyboards
Keyboards are a breeding ground for bacteria, as all of their cracks and crevices can harbor the germs of everyone who’s touched them. If you switch up computer stations at the office or have a shared computer, keep sanitizing wipes nearby so everyone can give them a wipe down before and after use.

3. Your phone
Yes, even your phone harbors a ton of bacteria! Think about it—you (probably) take it with you everywhere, set it on unclean surfaces, touch it with unwashed hands, hold it up to your face for a phone call, and continue to touch it all day. The exposure to the bacteria on your phone happens often and is a very easy way to get sick. Consider keeping disinfectant wipes on you or purchase UV light phone sanitizer to pop your phone in every time you get home.

4. Elevator buttons
Just like doorknobs, it’s hard to imagine just how many people touch these buttons every single day. This is a very easy way for germs to spread, so if you want to reduce your risk of contracting a respiratory illness, try using your elbow to push the button, wear a glove, or bring a tissue to cover your finger with while you push it. As always, you should be regularly washing your hands, too!

5. Shared dishes, utensils, and glassware
Flu season or not, sharing dishes, utensils, and glassware is a direct way to spread germs around from person to person. Be sure to wash your dishes thoroughly with soap and water, get your own plate of food or your own drink, or consider using disposable plates and cups.