Take the Germs Quiz

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.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, colds are most prevalent among children, probably because of their relative lack of resistance to infection and close contact with other children in day-care centers and schools. Children have about six to ten colds a year. In families with children in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year. Adults average about two to four colds a year. Women, especially those ages 20 to 30 years, have more colds than men, possibly because of their closer contact with children. On average, individuals older than 60 have fewer than one cold a year.

The goal is to keep the immune system strong so you avoid being susceptible to cold viruses. Doctors say they 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.

Many viruses, especially colds, are transmitted by touch. Doctors say the key to avoiding or spreading colds is to wash your hands frequently. Viruses don't live very long on inanimate surfaces, such as phones or tables, but they stay around for up to about two weeks in people. When people sneeze and cough they also spread germs, 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.

The cookie shouldn't cause you any problems, nor should the soda can. Viruses such as colds live in nasal mucus and not saliva.