I do have both, although I usually use the fridge. I picked up this habit in China, where it seemed to be common to cook food and leave it out, covered with a

I do have both, although I usually use the fridge. I picked up this habit in China, where it seemed to be common to cook food and leave it out, covered with a net to keep mosquitos out. So I think whether or not you get really sick from this depends on your immune system. That being said, you're right there can still be significant bacterial growth in a fridge.