Flickr: Pauly G
by Leonard Achan RN, MA, ANP; Kimberly Mayo-Achan MA, CCC-SLP
By now, with the flu season quickly approaching and the on going warnings about the H1N1 virus, people have become increasingly aware of the existence of germs in public places such as the mall, a school, restaurants, or even the doctor’s office. The CDC just released a statement that the best way to avoid getting sick this season is to minimize your time in small places with large crowds. But what if germs are closer than you think? What if they were in places you never even thought? Read on to find out how the one thing most of us have grown so dependent on every day is the one object that may breed more germs than a public bathroom!
Did you know that 3 out of 4 mobile cellular phones carry potentially dangerous germs? According to Health magazine, your cell phone may inhabit 10 to 50 million bacteria. This is because germs tend to multiply in warm places and generally, people like to keep their cell phones in their pocket, purse or briefcase, and, obviously, next to their ear. The germs are transferred from the face and hands and are then given a nice warm environment that is ideal for the multiplication of harmful bacteria. A recent study in England found 25% of all cell phones to be more germ infested than a bathroom toilet seat! Now think about all of those germs and bacteria and relocating them back into your jeans pocket, purse or briefcase. It’s a never ending cycle of bacterial exchanges.
Dr. Charles Gerba, a professor at the University of Arizona, conducted a number of studies that reveal disturbing information about germs on common objects people come into contact with daily; cell phones being amongst the dirtiest.
- Cell phone: 25,000 germs per square inch
- Desktop: 21,000 germs per square inch
- Computer keyboard: 3,300 germs per square inch
- Computer mouse: 1,700 germs per square inch
- Fax machine: 300 germs per square inch
- Copy machine: 70 germs per square inch
- Toilet seat: 50 germs per square inch
Now that you have this information, what is the solution? For starters, carry anti-bacterial wipes to clean your phone before and after every use. Also, wash your jeans or pants with the pockets folded out in ultra-hot water to get rid of the germs manifesting in those areas. Additionally, clean out your purse or briefcase and sterilize the items inside that your cell phone comes into contact with. If you are in the market for a new cellular phone, look into companies that are developing devices with antimicrobial coatings. Wash your hands frequently and think twice before taking a call on someone else’s phone. Can you hear me now?
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