Take the Germs Quiz
Germs: We find them everywhere—or they find us. It seems we can't stay away from them. We spend a lot of time worrying about picking them up, sharing them, and losing them. But what do we really know about germs? Take this quiz to find out.
1. Germs are most likely to thrive in this room of the house:
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The answer is the kitchen, and the key is the word "thrive." Bathrooms generally host
more bacteria and germs than kitchens, but most people know that and take proper precautions,
such as cleaning with disinfectants. Bedrooms, even those where bedridden children
sniffle from colds, don't hold the germs for long because cold viruses die quickly,
and even viruses that remain "alive" quickly lose their potency once outside the body.
Kitchens, however, provide an environment where bacteria can grow, often undetected.
Many bacterial intestinal tract illnesses are picked up from cutting boards that are
wiped—not washed—after being used to cut raw chicken. The key to avoiding kitchen
germs is to cook at the proper temperatures, disinfect preparation surfaces, and wash
utensils after handling raw meat or chicken.
2. Cold viruses are more common among:
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Colds are most common among children. This is probably because they have not been
exposed to these germs before and don't have resistance to viruses that cause colds.
They are also in close contact with other children in daycare centers and schools.
Children also tend to have symptoms that last longer than in adults.
3. The best way to prevent picking up a cold or flu virus is to:
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The goal is to keep the
immune system strong so you aren't vulnerable to cold viruses. Doctors are unsure
about the relationship between vitamins and colds, although they say vitamins
won't
hurt. Antibiotics, which fight bacteria, aren't going to protect you from catching
a
cold virus or cure the problem. And washing your hands often with clean running
water and soap, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, also helps.
4. If a friend has a cold, you are more likely to catch it if you:
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Many viruses,
especially colds, are passed on by touch. Doctors say the key to preventing or
spreading colds is to wash your hands often. Viruses don't live very long on
inanimate surfaces, such as phones or tables, but they stay around for up to about
2
weeks in people. When people sneeze and cough they also spread germs. This happens
not only by spewing the viruses into the air, but also by stifling the cough or
sneeze with a hand and then touching someone else.
5. You face the biggest risk of getting sick if you:
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The cookie shouldn't cause you any problems. Viruses such as colds live in nasal mucus
and saliva.
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