HARTFORD, Conn. -- The winter season is often accompanied by illnesses, many of which doctors said can be easily avoided.

Connecticut doctors said they have seen their shares of sinus infections, strep throat, stomach bugs, bronchitis and the flu this season.

While doctors said it is impossible to completely prevent contracting the illnesses, there are steps that can be taken to kill the germs that lead to common winter illnesses.

Researchers at the University of Arizona recently found that on average, 25,000 germs live on each square inch of an office telephone.

Dr. Randy Goodwin of Middlesex Hospital said computer keyboards are also breeding grounds for germs that often lead to illness.

Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Mike Hydeck reported that some computer companies now sell keyboards that are washable and can be cleaned with soap and water or disinfectants.

Goodwin said researchers have found thousands of germs on ATM machines as well.

"The buttons where people get money? Huge amounts of bacteria there," Goodwin said. "Depending upon if there's a little liquid there or a little water, that's some condensation and things, these bacteria can live for weeks."

Goodwin said alcohol wipes can be used to kill germs on phones, keyboards and ATM machines. He also recommended washing your hands often, which can help reduce contracting viruses.

Portable hand sanitizers are also a useful tool to combating sickness.

"I get hand-sanitizer stuff. I use it a lot. I have it at my desk," David Sailing, of Glastonbury, said.

Hydeck reported that hand sanitizers were first introduced in the 1980s and have since become huge sellers. Consumers spent more than $70 million on hand-sanitizing products last year.

Doctors also recommend sneezing and coughing into the inside of your elbow to help prevent the spread of germs. For doctor-recommended coughing and sneezing tips and to watch a video about proper sneezing etiquette, visit CoughSafe.com.

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