Something that may seem like common sense to many may not be so apparent to others.
Handrails, handles, light switches, petrol pumps and pedestrian crossings are germ hot spots. It's virtually impossible to avoid germ-infested surfaces as we go about our daily lives; however, something that was brought to my attention last week. Many Instagrammers have been asking how often people REALLY clean their phones, and it got me thinking.
At present, it is unknown for sure how long COVID-19 can survive on everyday objects, and research related to viruses such as Sars have confirmed that germs can survive on anything from a few hours to several days, all depending on the surface, humidity and temperature.
According to the HSE, to protect ourselves, we need to think about how the virus is spread, which is through sneeze and cough droplets. They recommend you wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, before and after eating and if you were in contact with anyone who has a fever or respiratory symptoms amongst other things, but no mention of phone hygiene.
Right now, aside from the current pandemic, your phone is crawling with germs that could make you sick. After all, they go everywhere with us. We pick them up hundreds of times a day and bring them close to our faces, the most common way to transfer any virus to your eyes, nose or mouth.
In 2017, a study published in the journal Germs studied 27 mobile phones of secondary students aged 16 to 17 years, and the results are no surprise. It found high levels of bacteria and viruses, including E.coli, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, just to name a few.
Another study by The University of Arizona in 2012 found mobile phones carried ten times more bacteria than most toilet seats because they are typically cleaned more regularly - GROSS!
The study claims: "While toilets tend to get cleaned frequently because people associate the bathroom with germs, cellphones and other commonly handled objects - like remote controls - are often left out of the cleaning routine."
Clean your phones, people!
To ensure your mobile phone is germ-free, mix 70% isopropyl alcohol with water, a half and half ratio and dampen a microfibre cloth with the mixture and wipe your phone clean. Then after a thorough clean (including fiddly bits like the microphone and camera using a cotton bud) leave your phone to air dry for at least ten minutes.
Then wash your hands, AGAIN.