There are studies on this! Yes- our phones have been found to carry most commonly staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and E. coli as far as bacteria go, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Adenovirus, and Influenza Virus for viruses. Read more...
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Can a dirty phone impact your health or spread cold germs?
There are studies on this! Yes- our phones have been found to carry most commonly staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and E. coli as far as bacteria go, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Adenovirus, and Influenza Virus for viruses. These studies showed these bacteria and viruses can be present on phones and also found that most people do not take the time to disinfect their phones. More exposure to more viruses and bacteria has the potential to affect us when our immune systems are a little compromised leading to potential illness.
Can a dirty phone cause skin breakouts?
If you are holding your phone against your face for long periods of time and allowing swear and dirt to build up between your face and your phone then you do have some potential to develop a type of acne called acne mechanica. This similarly occurs with chin straps from helmets and baseball hats over the forehead.
How often should you clean your phone, and what's the best way to do it?
Since I see patients all day long and use an iPad for our records I am a fan of simply using either antibacterial wipes, alcohol pads, or squirting a little hand sanitizer on a Kleenex then wiping down my phone and iPad.
How else might a dirty phone impact you?
Just be mindful of the fact that we are always clinging to our phones- I know I’ve heard people tapping away on their phones when I’m in public bathrooms, for example. If you come out and wash your hands but do not wipe down your phone then you may just transfer the bacteria back to your hands the second you pick up your phone again!
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