How Does Coughing and Sneezing Spread Germs?
Coughing and sneezing sends million of tiny droplets into the air – unseen, for the most part – but the germs connect with whatever the droplets touch. Some bacteria can live for 2 hours or longer on a surface, so there is no telling what awaits an unsuspecting victim who is not careful. Consider this list of possible places millions of germs can accumulate in a short period of time at home and in public: • Doorknobs and public entry door handles • Break room tables, counters, and appliances • Copiers and FAX machines at work • Public (and home) restroom commode handles and fixtures • Shopping cart handles • Credit card and ATM keypads • Bank counters and pens • Gas pump handles • Church hymnals and offering plates passed person to person • Toys displayed on department store shelves • Arcade Games in malls • Video game controllers in the electronics section where games are sampled • Dressing room door handles • School and work desks, especially those shared by two or more people • Lock
