Whether traveling or out for the evening, public places can be full of germs.

Prevention magazine tested bacteria levels on numerous items in various places, and if you think public restrooms are the worst offenders, think instead about restaurant menus, particularly plastic laminated menus.

Cold and flu viruses can live up to 18 hours on hard surfaces. Avoid contact, if you can, between the menu and your plate and utensils.

Ketchup bottles also help breed bacteria because they are touched by numerous people and rarely washed thoroughly. Headed for the bar? More than two thirds of restaurant lemons carry disease-causing microbes.

A better bet, according to prevention, is to skip the fresh fruit and ask for a splash of juice.

Consider washing your hands with warm soapy water before eating your restaurant meal, but beware that both soap dispensers and door handles in restrooms tested high for multiple types of bacteria.

Airplane restrooms were particularly germy as are supermarket grocery carts.

The good news is that by being aware of germs in public spaces you can do you best to avoid direct contact by using a paper towel, and by boosting your immune system through nutrition and adequate sleep when you’re getting ready to travel.