Let’s face it, our mobile phones have become an integral part of our lives. We use them to communicate, stay organized, and even entertain ourselves.

However, what we don’t realize is that while we go about our busy lives, our phones are silently accumulating bacteria that can pose serious health risks. In this article, we will explore the hidden horrors of bacteria in your everyday mobile phone.

How do bacteria get on our phones?

Every time we touch our phones, we transfer bacteria from our hands onto the phone surface.

According to a study by the University of Arizona, our phones have more bacteria than a toilet seat! This can include bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, which cause skin infections, and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.

Bacteria can also accumulate on our phones when we expose them to other surfaces, such as tables, chairs, and pockets, that have been contaminated with bacteria.

Moreover, the warm temperature of our mobile phones provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria to multiply and spread.

What are the health risks posed by bacteria on phones?

The accumulation of bacteria on our phones poses significant health risks. For instance:.

Infections: The bacteria on our phones can cause infections in our ears, eyes, nose, throat and skin. This is especially true for people who are more susceptible to infections due to weak immune systems.
Food poisoning: The presence of E. coli on our phones can lead to food poisoning. When we touch our phones and then handle food, bacteria can be transferred from the phone surface onto the food, leading to contamination.
MRSA: Staph infection caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria pose a serious health risk. People who have weak immune systems and who carry MRSA on their phones have a higher likelihood of developing complications such as pneumonia and bloodstream infections.
COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic has made us realize how easily infectious diseases can spread. While the novel coronavirus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, it can also live on surfaces, including our phones. Therefore, it’s important to keep our phones clean to prevent the spread of the virus.

How to keep your phone clean?

To prevent the spread of bacteria, it’s important to keep your phone clean. Here are some tips:.

Use a disinfectant wipe: Use disinfectant wipes to clean your phone surface regularly. This will kill the bacteria and prevent them from spreading.
Avoid using water: Do not use water to clean your phone surface as it can damage the phone’s sensitive components.
Avoid sharing your phone: Avoid sharing your phone with others to reduce the risk of transferring bacteria.
Wash your hands: Wash your hands regularly to prevent the transfer of bacteria onto your phone.
Use a phone case: Use a phone case that can be easily removed and cleaned. This will help prevent bacteria from accumulating on your phone surface.

Conclusion

The accumulation of bacteria on our phones is a serious health risk that we often overlook. It’s important to keep our phones clean to prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce the risk of infections.

By following the tips mentioned above, we can keep our phones clean and prevent the hidden horrors of bacteria from affecting our health.