PITTSBURGH -- With an H1N1 vaccine not readily available, many families are taking it upon themselves to wage their own germ warfare at home.

Channel 4 Action News anchor Sally Wiggin reported that the influenza virus can survive on home surfaces for anywhere between two to eight hours.

While germs can invade just about anywhere inside a home, some spots are more susceptible than others.

"The places you are going to find those germs are the light switches, refrigerator handles, any doorknob. Sink faucets are another big place," said Dr. Kathryn Teng, of the Cleveland Clinic.

A University of Virginia study found areas like refrigerator doors and handles test positive for cold germs almost 40 percent of the time.

Remote controls, phones, sponges and counters are also popular places for germs to linger, including viruses and bacteria.

Dr. Sam Stebbins, of the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health, says those looking to rid germs should remember that some are much stronger than others.

"It is important to remember cold and flu viruses are never absorbed through your skin, and if they live a maximum of 2 to 8 hours, that means by morning they are dead," said Stebbins.

Children, who routinely share toys with friends, find themselves more susceptible to germ areas.

"Children get sick very often -- a lot of viruses in day care settings and amongst other children. Children, especially babies, are touching their toys, mouthing their toys, making the toys wet and moist," said Teng. "Essentially, the germs are living on there, and if another child comes along and plays with them, certainly they can get sick."

Researchers have found that heat typically kills influenza virus.

Soap and water, hydrogen peroxide and chlorine have also been found to be effective.

Health: More H1N1