Remember when we were young and we were allowed to play in the dirt. Parents said it gives kids immunity. Two things, you get immunity only after you get sick, and why were girls not allowed to play in the dirt? Are they naturally immune?

Truth is, dirt is dangerous, exposing yourself to dirt makes you sick. Here, says Agence France Presse, are the dirtiest things to avoid in a restaurant, where you put things in your mouth that others held first.

Salad bar tongs, ketchup bottles because customers lick the neck, bathroom faucets because they are touched before hands are washed, so use your elbow to turn on and turn off the water.

Bathroom door knobs which is why you should use your elbow as well, the rims of glasses because that is how waiters hold 5 glasses in one hand, table tops because they wipe them with dirty washcloths, salt and pepper shakers because people stick in their fingers to loosen the contents, lemon wedges or fruit slices because they are sliced with hands that have been to places you don't want to know, ditto menus, and chairs because that is where people rest their butts. What to do? Wipe everything with germicidal wipes, then wipe your hands.

Keep well.