Winter has arrived and so has the season of flu and colds. It is necessary to protect ourselves from catching the cold virus to avoid taking numerous sick days off from work.
Avoiding contact with an infected person is difficult but it is good to know the hotspots for catching the cold virus that we come in contact with daily.
1. Doorknobs and Handles
We touch many surfaces such as doorknobs, handles and handrails that are highly contaminated with viruses and bacteria. Doorknobs are one of the most used objects in a household and people often forget to wash their hands after touching them.
2. Restaurants and Cafeterias
Restaurants and cafeterias are another hotspot where you can easily catch a cold virus. The utensils we use to eat our food with are not always cleaned or washed properly.
We can also catch the cold virus from the person who prepared our food since they handle food while suffering from cold symptoms.
3. Schools and Offices
Schools and offices are places where people gather and come into close contact with each other. People often neglect their hygiene at these places and the environment becomes a breeding ground for cold viruses.
4. Public Transport
Public transport such as buses, trains and planes become a hotbed of cold viruses. The surfaces we hold on to, seats we sit on and the air we breathe can contain viruses that are highly contagious.
5. Public Places
Public places such as shopping malls, libraries, cinemas, and post offices can also be breeding hotspots for cold viruses.
People who frequent these places are often in close proximity to each other and there is a high possibility of coming into contact with contaminated surfaces.
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6. Gym and Fitness Centers
Gym and fitness centers are a preferred place for many people to stay healthy and fit. However, the equipment we use at the gym and fitness centers is often shared and not always cleaned properly. This can lead to an easy spread of viruses and bacteria.
7. Concerts and Sporting Events
Large events such as concerts, sporting events, and music festivals are a hub of people from different regions and backgrounds. The amount of people gathering in such events increases the chances of being exposed to cold viruses.
People often forget about hygiene in such public events, making it easier for viruses to spread from person to person.
8. Hospitals and Clinics
Hospitals and clinics are a high-risk area for catching a cold virus. Many people in the waiting room for medical attention may be already suffering from infections and contagious diseases.
The healthcare workers who are frequently in contact with such patients can also be a source of infection.
9. Pools and Waterparks
Pools and water parks are popular recreational areas during summertime.
The water in these places may contain viruses and bacteria, and the environment can be a breeding ground for microbes to multiply, leading to the possibility of catching the cold virus.
10. Traveling and High Altitude Places
Traveling to different locations and high altitude places is considered risky for catching a cold virus. Changes in altitude and the exposure to different types of climate can weaken our immune system making us an easy target for catching a cold virus.
