You probably know someone who is currently battling or has already had the flu. Now you'd like to prevent other family members and friends from contracting this season's soul-sucking virus.

In light of that effort, we would all do well to remember that the flu virus can live up to 24 hours on hard surfaces. Here is a list of places and things you maybe haven't thought about disinfecting after you, or your flu sufferer, recover.

  • Light switches - Yup everybody uses their germy little paws on these.
  • Door knobs - Again, everyone uses them.
  • Bathrooms - Any surface in and around the sick person's bathroom (or shared bathroom for that matter) in particular: faucets, toilet handle, tub, shower surfaces, even the floor.
  • Toothbrushes - If you use disposable ones, toss 'em, if not remove the brush head and soak it in peroxide for half-an-hour.
  • Remotes - You've heard about how filthy they are in hotels? They're pretty germy in your home too. Wipe them down with disinfecting cloths during and after the flu.
  • Your eyewear - Yes they can hold on to flu germs and your eyes are a vulnerable entry point for the flu virus.
  • Laundry & bedding - Even on a normal day doing dirty laundry isn't the most enticing chore. But doing laundry after someone has had the flu? Ick! Don't carry the disgusting pile of germ-filled materials in your arms to the washer. Dump them in a laundry basket and put a little distance between yourself and the yuck!
  • Garbage cans - Obviously

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