So maybe you were diagnosed with swine flu this fall. Or maybe you avoided H1N1 and instead were vaccinated last week. Unfortunately, swine flu isn’t the only illness out there — you’re still susceptible to germs almost anywhere you go.

There are many different types of infections that can be spread in various ways. Generally, touching the eyes, nose, or mouth after touching something contaminated can lead to the spread of viruses like influenza, says Dr. Michael Ison, assistant professor in the Divisions of Infectious Disease and Organ Transplantation at Northwestern. Ison also warns that bacterial infections may be spread in much the same way.

But the fact that germs are ubiquitous doesn’t mean they can’t be avoided. It’s all about awareness. Here’s a list of potential sites where germs could be lurking out in the open and some strategies to fend them off.

The problem: elevator buttons

Next time, you may want to take the stairs. Photo by bogenfreund on Flickr, licensed under the Creative Commons.

People rush into elevators from the grimy streets all day long. Without washing their hands first, they potentially leave microbes behind on the floor buttons. When you see someone rushing towards a closing elevator, imagine the bacteria you can come into contact with while endlessly jamming your finger on the “door open” button.

The solution:
Take the stairs; they’re cleaner if you avoid the railings and you’ll get some exercise in as well. If you’re headed to the top floor, use the elevator, but be sure to clean your hands once you reach your destination. The Center for Disease Control suggests singing “Happy Birthday” while washing; the song lasts the 15-20 seconds you need to get a clean scrub.

The problem: the sneeze
According to the CDC, the “droplet spread” caused by coughs and sneezes is the most common way infections like influenza are spread. Respiratory droplets easily move from person to person without proper protection.

The solution:
It’s all in the form of your sneeze. “In general, people should really cough or sneeze into their sleeves,” says Ison. He also recommends washing up afterwards no matter where your sneeze lands. Even if you’re on the go, sanitizer gel or alcohol-based wipes are an easy way to quickly clean your hands.

The problem: food & drink
Some organisms can survive on surfaces for anywhere from 20 minutes to more than two hours, according to the CDC. Those germs can become part of your caramel macchiato at Norbucks if you’re not careful. Putting your coffee cup lid down on the countertop to add some Splenda to you latte can be just as dangerous as eating French fries off the concession stand at a sports arena.

The solution:
Put a clean napkin down before putting anything on a table that might later wind up in your mouth. Make sure lids and straws stay away from any bacteria-prone areas. (And if it wasn’t clear before, don’t eat fries or any other food off the counter at concession stands.)

Muscle up and bring reusable bags next time you go shopping. Photo by Auswandern Malaysia on Flickr, licensed under the Creative Commons.

The problem: shopping carts
They’re convenient to wheel around while stocking up on snacks for your dorm room, but shopping cart handles are full of germs from previous users. Even if you’re trying to acquire some healthy treats at Whole Foods, you could still wind up sick from the shopping excursion.

The solution:
It will take a bit more muscle, but bring some reusable shopping bags and pack your goodies right into them instead. You’re helping both the environment and your immune system.

The problem: gym and yoga mats
While it’s great that you’re hitting the gym, it can actually be an unhealthy workout if you’re not careful. Communal mats used for yoga, stretching and crunches as well as handrails on treadmills and ellipticals can be covered with sweat and dirt.

The solution:
“Always wipe down any equipment at the gymnasium,” says Ison, who warns of bacteria spreading through sports teams’ shared equipment. To avoid anything entering your body through an open wound, cover up any cuts before working out. If you’re a true germaphobe mysophobe, buy your own mat and keep it clean.

This drinking game may give you something worse than a hangover. Photo by HotDirt21 on Flickr, licensed under the Creative Commons.

The problem: the beer pong table
Students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York found out the hard way: drinking alcohol from communal cups can spread illnesses like the swine flu. Their game left seven infected; they were placed in on-campus isolation rooms.

The solution:
Find a new drinking game where you don’t have to share cups or drinks with anyone. At the very least, label your Solo cups during a power hour. Better yet, avoid alcohol; if you’re inebriated, you might be less cautious and more vulnerable to germs lurking around you.

These are just some of the unsuspecting places where germs are rampant. But there are countless others, some more obvious than others. It would be nearly impossible to avoid all contact with microbes, so your best weapon is precaution.

Wash your hands after using the bathroom, eating, sneezing or touching anything unsanitary. If you can’t remember the last time you washed your hands, you should do it again.

If you haven’t got the time or the sink for some good old-fashioned hand-washing, sanitizers and wipes can suffice.

In the period between coming into contact with a potential infection and cleaning the skin that touched the contaminated area, avoid all contact with your nose, eyes and mouth. This can stop the spread of viruses.

Be aware of your surroundings and follow these simple prevention standards in order to stay infection-free.