Germs and illness-causing viruses are silently lurking everywhere – in restaurants, at the supermarket, in the doctor’s office. Sparking colds, influenza and upset stomach, these microbes can live on hard surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel for 48 hours or more according to the Mayo Clinic. If you come in contact with these places, and touch your eyes, nose or mouth before you can wash your hands, you could introduce these nasty bugs to your body. Dr. Susan Malloy, a Halifax-based member of the College of Family Physicians of Canada has tips on how to handle public places without getting sick.