These Less Obvious Places Have the Most Amount of Germs [PHOTOS]

It's the time of year where people are caughing, sneezing and blowing their noses all around you. We can't really open windows and get any circulation to clear the air. I am seeing sicky germs just about everywhere I look and on everything I touch. Do you?

I was chatting with Meredith from The Q Morning Show today. She was commenting about how dry her hands get due to how often she washes them this time of year because of germs. We also went on to list the many places we get freaked out by coming in contact with germs. Some may call it "germophobia." I think it's just being extra cautious. I don't freak out - but there are a few places and things that do skeeve me out quite a bit. Like escalator handles. I won't touch them unless I have to.

I have 2 elementary school age children. I'm not stranger to germs. I'm happy to say that I'm pretty darn healthy, thanks in large part to a healthy'ish lifestyle and washing my hands constantly. I also practice a fair amount of hot yoga which I believe helps to cleanse and detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system.

There are some not-so-obvious places where there is very likely a high concentration of powerful germs and bacteria. Read this article about where they are and how to treat them. Here are a few:

• The dashboard in your car
• Dish towels and sponges
• Soap Dispeners
• Restaurant Ketchup bottles
• Your welcome mat

The Center for Disease Control has some things you can do to prevent the spread of germs. Many of which you have heard repeatedly over the past few years.

• Avoid close contact when you are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose

Are there any particular things or places that freak you out about germs? What kinds of things do you do to prevent the spread of germs or getting sick? Answer in the comments section of the website below or on our Facebook and Twitter pages using the hashtag #germophobe