With cold and flu season fast approaching, researchers are warning people to beware of their refrigerator doors as well as TV remotes, telephones, light switches, salt and pepper shakers, and even doorknobs. These commonly-touched surfaces can harbor(の住処となる)the germs(病原菌)left by cold sufferers(病人、被災者)for two days or longer. Researchers have even found that germs can survive in hotel rooms for at least a day and be picked up by the next visitor who checks in. Frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, and wearing surgical masks are three practices that can help prevent the spread of viruses.