Germs can and do "live" for awhile on inanimate object although they obviously can't live as long outside the human body. I know this only because I have eaten batches of Christmas cookies that were sent to me by various people who later told me they had been sick and guess what?...I got sick too!. This has also happened with non-food items I came into contact with. Even the government has a guide out that instructs people to wash thier hands after touching doorknobs, toilet seats and other such things.

Please try to understand that from my point of view, I simply do not want to get sick of I can help it. I love my sister but when it comes to getting sick I feel like I have enough problems in my life already without taking any unnecessary chances - regardless of how small the odds. I know (and expect) that some of you will think I'm being mean for taking this stance but from a simple "survivalist" point of view, I really do try to protect myself from getting sick and especially since that friend of ours almost cost me my life.

- Regards

EDITED FOR NUMEROUS TYPOS BY A NON-PERFECT PERSON.