Cellphones are some of the germiest surfaces in the world. They are used everywhere and not cleaned very often. Just think about it — phones come in contact with germs in the restroom, at hospitals, and even at the gas pump. It’s pretty scary to think about the types of germs that might be lurking on your phone right now.
Bacterial Infections Found on Smartphones
Image via Flickr by Sanofi Pasteur
Bacteria is spread when people touch an infected surface and then touch their face or mouth. Here are some bacterial infections that might be found on your cellphone:
- Clostridium: This is a bacteria that is spread when people touch a surface that is contaminated by fecal matter. It usually causes fever, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. It’s typically treated with antibiotics.
- E. Coli: This is typically a food-borne bacteria, but it can be spread through cellphones, too. When people don’t wash their hands after handling raw meat or even swimming in a public pool, they could be exposing themselves.
- Salmonella: There are 2,000 types of these bacteria, and they affect the intestinal track. Salmonella is usually spread through undercooked meat, but it can live on contaminated surfaces, too, like a cellphone.
- Staphylococcus: This bacteria causes what are known as “staph infections.” This bacteria is typically spread through skin to skin contact, but it can also live on a cellphone.
- Streptococcus: This bacteria causes an infection called “strep throat.” It is an airborne bacteria that lands on surfaces, like cellphones, and then makes people sick when they breathe it in.
You can prevent the spread of bacteria to your Samsung Galaxy, or any other cellphone, by washing your hands often. Additionally, you shouldn’t let other people use your cell phone, especially strangers. You don’t know where their hands have been, so just politely decline if you are asked to share.
Viral Infections Found on Smartphones
Image via Flickr by Anna Leask
Viruses are spread through the air and infected surfaces. Here are some viral infections that might be found on your cellphone:
- Adenovirus: This is a respiratory virus that is typically spread through hand contact or surface contamination. It is responsible for illnesses like diarrhea, rashes, and conjunctivitis.
- Coronavirus: This is a virus that causes typical cold-like symptoms. It is spread when people cough and the germs land on surfaces that others touch, like your smartphone.
- Influenza: This is a common contagious virus that is spread when people cough or sneeze. Plus, this virus can stay alive on almost any surface for several days. So, never use the cellphone of a person that has the flu.
You can prevent viruses from spreading on your cellphone by cleaning it often. This is particularly important during the flu season or if you have been around people that are sick.
Image via Flickr by MNicoleM
Do you remember being told not to touch your face or put your hands in your mouth because you might get sick? Well, think about how close your cellphone gets to your mouth — that’s a sure way to get germs into your body. Avoid these viral and bacterial infections found on cellphones by washing your hands and cleaning your cell phone often.