Respiratory illnesses, such as colds and flu, can easily spread through the air or by contact with infected surfaces. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious around certain places that can harbor the pathogens that cause respiratory diseases. By identifying such high-risk areas, individuals can adopt a more vigilant approach and enhance their ability to protect themselves against respiratory diseases. From crowded and confined environments to shared equipment, here are a few common hotspots for respiratory illnesses.

Public transportation
Public transportation, like buses, subways, trains, etc., witness a constant influx of people. Being in close quarters with people in these environments elevates the risk of exposure to respiratory diseases. Moreover, high-touch surfaces like seats and door handles can also be potential hotspots for disease transmission due to frequent human contact. Therefore, it is advisable to take protective measures such as wearing a mask while traveling on public transport. It is also essential to practice proper hand hygiene after using public transportation.

Gyms
Public gyms could be potential hotspots for respiratory germ transmission, particularly in crowded conditions. The shared equipment in gyms can also be a breeding ground for respiratory germs, posing a significant risk to individuals who use them. Therefore, it is important for gym-goers to take precautions such as using hand sanitizer or washing their hands properly after handling equipment. These measures can contribute to a safer workout environment for everyone.

ATMs
ATMs are commonly used by many people, and as a result, the screens and buttons can accumulate a significant amount of respiratory germs. To ensure safety and prevent transmission of respiratory diseases, it is advisable for one to clean their hands thoroughly after using ATMs. It is a simple yet effective measure to stay safe from respiratory infections.

Shopping carts
Shopping carts are frequently used by numerous shoppers and can, therefore, be potential carriers of respiratory germs. To ensure the shoppers’ safety, a lot of stores offer antibacterial wipes to clean the handles of the carts before use. In case a store does not offer them, shoppers should use their own disinfectant wipes or practice hand hygiene after using shopping carts as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of contracting respiratory infections during shopping trips.

Public restrooms
High-touch surfaces in public restrooms, such as faucets, soap dispensers, toilet flush levers, and door handles, can harbor respiratory germs due to frequent use. Hence, one should adopt hygienic practices like using paper towels or elbows to touch and operate these fixtures. Besides that, one must also wash and clean their hands properly after touching these surfaces to minimize the transmission of respiratory infections in public restrooms.

Phone screens
People use their phones everywhere in public, making their screens a breeding ground for germs, including respiratory viruses. Moreover, when individuals place their devices on various surfaces, it further increases the risk of gathering germs. After such usage, when individuals bring their phones close to their faces, they risk inhaling these germs, which could cause respiratory infections. Therefore, it is essential to regularly clean phone screens to reduce the likelihood of infection.