Flu season is upon us, and many health care facilities are urging you to start preparing now with vaccines. Ironically, one of the places where you need to be careful is at the doctor’s office or health care clinic.

“Healthcare-acquired infections can be a threat to everyone, especially the elderly and young children,” said Steve Zimmerman, director of health care services for ServiceMaster Clean. “Most facilities do a good job of sanitizing their waiting areas, but sick people can spread their illnesses through the touch of a door, magazine or pen — leaving you vulnerable to pick up germs you can’t see.”

Zimmerman defines high-touch surfaces as anything that multiple people will likely touch during their visit. Some high-touch surfaces are hard to avoid, such as door handles and chair armrests. That’s why it’s wise to wash hands often and use hand sanitizer.

Other high-touch areas you can avoid are:

Magazines. These are nearly impossible to disinfect once contaminated. Don’t pick them up while waiting.

Toys. Bring your own to help prevent your child from picking up an illness.

Restrooms. They can harbor lots of pathogens unless cleaned often. If you must go, wash your hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer if it’s available.

Ink pens. Think about how many hands touch the ink pens in facilities Bring your own.