February 25, 2019 by bethstefura
Every day, the majority of us interact with a touch screen. Whether you are pumping gas, using a bank ATM, checking into your flight at the airport, paying your bill at the grocery store, or ordering food, chances are you are using a digital touchscreen. Those touch screen surfaces are a hotspot for bacteria.
Recent studies indicate that much of the bacteria found on them originate from people’s mouths, throat, gut, intestines and feces. Yikes! Personal cell phones and tablets are almost as bad; even though for the most part those two items aren’t touched by strangers.
Some of the major bacteria found on public touchscreens include:
Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) — This strain of bacteria comes from the flora in our gastrointestinal tracts and may originate after contact with surfaces in hospitals. An E. faecalis infection can cause fever, fatigue, headache, chills, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis or urinary tract infections. If it is present on a touch screen (or elevator button), it is most likely due to someone not washing their hands after using the restroom.
Staphylococcus — “staph.” Staph is found on the skin and noses of 25 percent of the population and typically does not cause disease in the person who carries it. If it gets into an open wound or is ingested, staph can cause blood poisoning, pneumonia, toxic shock syndrome, skin infections, and food poisoning.
Listeria – a foodborne, disease-causing bacteria that is often the source of food poisoning outbreaks. If left untreated, it can cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.
The majority of bacteria found on public touch screens are contagious. While anyone can develop an infection, those with weakened immune systems are most at risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The best defense is to wash your hands frequently. Touchscreens should be sanitized daily. Wash your hands as soon as possible if you have to touch screens or surfaces commonly touched by a lot of other people. Regular soap and water (not antibacterial) is the best choice, but if not available a hand sanitizer will work. Protect yourself and wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
Written by: Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County, [email protected]
Reviewed by: Donna Green, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Erie County, [email protected]
Sources:
https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(15)01068-8/pdf
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ss/slideshow-public-germs
October 18, 2019
Dirty Digital Touchscreens | Live Healthy Live Well
maximios Blog
February 25, 2019 by bethstefura
Every day, the majority of us interact with a touch screen. Whether you are pumping gas, using a bank ATM, checking into your flight at the airport, paying your bill at the grocery store, or ordering food, chances are you are using a digital touchscreen. Those touch screen surfaces are a hotspot for bacteria.
Recent studies indicate that much of the bacteria found on them originate from people’s mouths, throat, gut, intestines and feces. Yikes! Personal cell phones and tablets are almost as bad; even though for the most part those two items aren’t touched by strangers.
Some of the major bacteria found on public touchscreens include:
Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) — This strain of bacteria comes from the flora in our gastrointestinal tracts and may originate after contact with surfaces in hospitals. An E. faecalis infection can cause fever, fatigue, headache, chills, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis or urinary tract infections. If it is present on a touch screen (or elevator button), it is most likely due to someone not washing their hands after using the restroom.
Staphylococcus — “staph.” Staph is found on the skin and noses of 25 percent of the population and typically does not cause disease in the person who carries it. If it gets into an open wound or is ingested, staph can cause blood poisoning, pneumonia, toxic shock syndrome, skin infections, and food poisoning.
Listeria – a foodborne, disease-causing bacteria that is often the source of food poisoning outbreaks. If left untreated, it can cause miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant women.
The majority of bacteria found on public touch screens are contagious. While anyone can develop an infection, those with weakened immune systems are most at risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The best defense is to wash your hands frequently. Touchscreens should be sanitized daily. Wash your hands as soon as possible if you have to touch screens or surfaces commonly touched by a lot of other people. Regular soap and water (not antibacterial) is the best choice, but if not available a hand sanitizer will work. Protect yourself and wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
Written by: Beth Stefura, Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County, [email protected]
Reviewed by: Donna Green, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Erie County, [email protected]
Sources:
https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553(15)01068-8/pdf
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/ss/slideshow-public-germs