R.J. Ignelzi, Contributor

Choose your weapon. Soap, hand sanitiser, bleach or using body parts other than your hands to open doors and push elevator buttons. No matter what your form of germ warfare, and how diligently you use it, you're never going to rid yourself or your environment of germs.

Trillions of germs and bacteria are everywhere. They reside on our skin and in our mouths and line our intestines. They can lurk for days on kitchen counters, computer keyboards and escalator handrails, just waiting to leap on to your unsuspecting hands.

Go ahead, have another squirt of Purell.

Despite living in a germ-infested world, we are surprisingly healthy because most of us have a remarkably efficient immune system that constantly patrols our body to prevent it from being taken over by infectious diseases.

"Our bodies do a great job of protecting us from organisms," says Dr. John Spinosa, a pathologist and chief of staff-elect at Scripps Memorial Hospital in San Diego. "Our immune system and white blood cells filter our blood, our GI (gastrointestinal) tract filters out (harmful) organisms, the skin protects us and so do the lungs."

Only rarely do really nasty germs have a chance to enter our bodies. And, it's even more unusual that they should invade in concentrations high enough to make us sick ? usually with a cold or stomach virus.

While refusing to touch an ATM, share a phone or shake someone's hand may help reduce the number of little critters you come in contact with, it's no solution, epidemiologists say.

Don't touch your face

"People are always looking for a magic pill or bullet, but we don't need any super-duper sophisticated (antidotes). Just doing basic things like washing your hands, avoiding sick people, staying home if you're sick and not touching your face will help prevent infection and disease," says Dr. Don Herip, epidemiologist at Palomar Pomerado Health Foundation in San Diego County. Being aware of how germs are spread and making an effort to limit exposure is smart, but he cautions people not to go overboard.

"Hyper alertness (to germs) with good hygiene is a good practice to follow, but you don't want the fear of germs to interfere with your daily living," Herip says. "You shouldn't limit activities because you're afraid to open a door or use a public bathroom."

What about the notion that we can build stronger immune systems by exposing ourselves to lots of crud?

Sorry, epidemiologists say it's an urban myth and an excuse used by bad housekeepers. Not washing your hands after you sneeze or neglecting to wash the kitchen counter will not make you more hardy. Just less healthy.

With the cold and flu season upon us, germ defence has never been more important. Test your knowledge of battling the bug.

Germ warfare

The germiest place in most homes is:

A. The toilet

B. The garbage pail

C. The refrigerator door handle

D. The kitchen sink

E. The front door handle

Answer: D. According to studies, the kitchen is germ haven. Mould, yeast and more than a half dozen kinds of bacteria, some of which typically travel in faeces, can often be found in the sink. Disinfect it at least once a week by spraying it with a 10 to 1 water and bleach solution. Let the disinfecting solution stand for 10 minutes and then wipe down and rinse off.

- Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com.