What’s On Your Cell Phone?

It’s common knowledge that washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze are good ways to prevent the spread of illnesses. A study has revealed a new source of infections – your cell phone. Yes, you heard it, that device which for many people never leaves their hands can be a reservoir of germs. The study analyzed 780 swab samples — 390 from cell phones and 390 from the hands that used the phones; the samples were taken in 12 different cities. In their findings, 16 percent of both hands and phones were contaminated with E. coli, which comes from fecal matter. Those germs can survive for weeks on surfaces, putting you and others around you at risk of illness. Another study revealed that 75% of Americans use their phone while using the toilet. So, between using a phone in the bathroom and not washing hands afterward, it is easy to make the connection about how this contamination occurs.

What You Can Do

In order to avoid getting sick from the bacteria on your phone, use some common sense — wash your hands, clean your phone at least twice a day, and don’t take your phone into the bathroom or the gym. Check out these simple things you can do to keep you and those around you healthy.