No one likes getting sick. It’s never fun to be stuck at home with a headache, stuffy nose, sore throat or worse. Plus, when you’re sick, it often keeps you away from your friends and family. After all, you don’t want to get them sick.
If you’re 65 or older, getting sick can be more serious. Your body might not fight off germs as well as it used to, says Christopher B. Valentine, MD. He’s a family doctor and Optum medical director in Draper, Utah.
For example, if you get the flu, it could lead to something more serious. It could even land you in the hospital.1
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Find a clinicWhile it’s impossible to stay away from all germs, you can lower your chances of being around them. For starters, try to stay away from “germy places.” You can also follow habits that help keep you away from harmful germs.
Where are germs found the most?
Places where there are big crowds and low air circulation are some of the germiest, says Dr. Valentine. That’s because viruses can travel through the air in tiny droplets.
For example, the virus that causes the flu can get into the air when people cough, sneeze, talk or even quietly breathe near you.2 And you can breathe in these droplets through your nose and mouth.3
Droplets can also land on surfaces like doorknobs, desks and railings. When they do, they can stick around for hours.4
Indoor spaces, where there is less air circulation, are riskier than outdoor spaces.5
What are the germiest indoor places? Find out below. Plus, learn ways to stay away from harmful germs in all these places.
1. Public transportation
Public transit can be very germy, says Dr. Valentine. If you take the bus, subway or train often, you know it can get crowded quickly. It can be even worse if it’s rush hour. Germs can pass between people easily in these situations.5
Planes may not be as risky as they seem, though. They often have high tech systems that can help filter and remove germs from the air inside the cabin.6
Solutions: If you need to use public transport, try using it during off-peak hours to stay away from the crowds. Carry hand sanitizer in your bag and use it after you step off the bus or train. Wearing a well-fitting mask can also help you avoid germs in the air. The best masks are N95s. The next best are KN95s and well-fitting disposable surgical masks.7
2. The gym
Gyms can get crowded quickly. And it’s a place where there can be a lot of indoor huffing and puffing. All of which can send germy droplets into the air.
Gyms typically have shared equipment like stationary bikes, weights and resistance machines. These have smooth surfaces where germs can live.
But don’t let this put you off the gym. Daily workouts can improve your overall health in many ways and support your immune system.8
Solutions: Go to your gym during off-peak hours to stay away from the crowds. Wearing a mask is also a choice. And, if someone just used your favorite machine, ask them to disinfect it before you use it. Or just do it yourself.
Working out can get sweaty, and you may want to reach up and wipe your brow with your hand. But touching your face isn’t a good idea when your hands aren’t clean.9 If you have to touch your face, do it after you wash your hands.
When you wash, be sure to scrub. Some people dab on the soap and rinse it off right away. “That’s just not going to do it,” says Dr. Valentine. “You should be washing for at least 20 seconds, ensuring that you’re cleaning between your fingers and being very thorough with soap and water.”
Washing your hands often can be difficult when you’re in public. Using hand sanitizer is the next best thing.10 Dr. Valentine suggests using one with at least 60% alcohol.
3. Parties
Social connections are important for your health and well-being. You don’t need to turn down that invitation to a birthday bash or retirement party, but it’s a good idea to take a few precautions.
At parties, you’re often talking with people face to face. And you might be talking extra loud if it’s hard to hear. The thing is, talking can send nasty germs into the air. If you’re in a place where people are doing this for long periods, you might be more likely to get sick.
Solutions: You can’t always stay away from crowds. But when you can, try to hang out in a spot where there aren’t as many people as possible. If fewer people are sharing your air, you lower the risk of breathing in germs. You might also want to hang out for a shorter time. If that retirement party is going to last for hours, think about showing up early and leaving early. You could also think about hosting a party outside.
4. Theaters
Catching the latest blockbuster movie or a live play? Theaters can get crowded quickly. And movies and plays can last for hours.5
Solutions: Wear a mask in a crowded theater to help steer clear of germs.7 And if your chair has armrests, think about using a disinfectant wipe on them before you sit down. You could also pack a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your bag.
5. Places of worship
Churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship are like theaters. They bring large groups together for long periods of time, which can raise your chance of being around more germs.5
Solutions: Again, think about wearing a mask. And, if you pick up books or hold the door for someone, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
How else can I protect myself from getting sick?
Staying away from germs in public isn’t always easy. Here are two other ways to help protect yourself:
Stay up to date on your vaccines
Did you get your COVID-19 and flu shots yet? If not, know that staying up to date on your vaccines can help you skip unnecessary risk.11 That’s because a virus that may have led to a few days of coughing in your 30s might turn into pneumonia in your 60s or 70s.12 Talk with your doctor about scheduling shots.
“What we’re trying to do is support and offer a head start for your immune system,” says Dr. Valentine. Even if you do get infected, the symptoms will be less severe.
See your doctor virtually
These days, many healthcare professionals offer virtual care (you might also see this called telehealth or telemedicine).13 That’s where you talk with your doctor on the phone or on a video chat. You can have visits on your smartphone, computer or tablet.14 You can ask your doctor about whether telehealth is a choice for you.
A virtual visit can also save you the time it takes to travel to your doctor’s office. And it can help you skip spending time in a waiting room, where other people may be sick. Plus, if you’re already sick, it can help keep you from infecting others.
Summary
Germs spread easily in crowded places with poor air circulation, like public transportation, gyms, parties, theaters and places of worship.
To lower your chances of getting sick — especially if you’re an older adult — it’s important to stay away from peak times, wear a high-quality mask, use hand sanitizer and disinfect shared surfaces.
Staying current on flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as well as using virtual doctor visits, can also help you from getting sick.
Talk with your doctor and care team about other ways to keep from getting sick. They’re there to help you keep doing the things you love and stay healthy doing them.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu and people 65 years and older. September 5, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About influenza. August 13, 2024.
- Rezaei M, et al. Airborne virus transmission via respiratory droplets. May 29, 2021.
- Minnesota Department of Health. Germs are tough. October 20, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ventilation in buildings. October 3, 2024.
- World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Ventilation and air conditioning. December 23, 2021.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Masks and respiratory viruses protection. August 18, 2025.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health benefits of physical activity for adults. August 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy habits: Coughing and sneezing. April 16, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About handwashing. February 16, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What vaccines are recommended for you. June 12, 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk factors for pneumonia. October 17, 2023.
- Medicare.gov. Virtual check-ins. Accessed October 9, 2025.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Why use telehealth? July 29, 2025.
