The 8 Germiest Places in the Mall

1 of 10

Holiday shopping nightmare

By Cari Wira Dineen
From Health magazine

While you’re checking items off your shopping list this season, you may be exposing yourself to germs—like flu viruses, E. coli, and staph —that can make you sick.

"Anywhere people gather is filled with bacteria and viruses, and a crowded shopping mall is a perfect example," says Philip Tierno, PhD, director of clinical microbiology and immunology at New York University Langone Medical Center. We asked a panel of experts to rank the worst germ hot spots at your local shopping center. Check out the ewww-inducing results —and tips for keeping yourself in the clear.

Next: Restroom sinks