Touch Screen or touch (bacteria) Infection!!

Friday, May 5, 2017

Having android or IOS phone is inevitable in everyone’s life. Globally there are approximately 700 million of people using iPhone according to the CEO of apple Tim Cook revealed in March 2015. As we know we are attracted to new releases and a new model of mobiles phone every day.

How many of us are aware that our touch screens such as iPhone, iPad, laptop, video game controllers, cameras, and other tech carry germs and bacteria? There are several studies* and reports showing that these devices are contaminated with harmful germs. And the touch screen even transports infection from place to person, person to person and person to place.

As we use our phones frequently, it remains warm, creating the ideal breeding ground for the growth of bacteria.   “With the advent of touch-screen phones, same part, of the phone you touch with your fingertips is pressed right up against your face and mouth, increasing your chances of infection.

Hand Hygiene plays the major roles in preventing these infections. Awareness of hand hygiene is a simple measure to prevent spreading infectious diseases.

So… How are we going to prevent Touchscreen contamination?

Use alcohol or disinfection wipes

Clean your gadgets or phone regularly with alcohol wipes or disinfectant sprays. Some of us do not like to use spray or presoaked wipes, instead, we can get a disinfectant solution and clean/wipe with clean clothes (some manufacturer does not recommend alcohol and ammonia to use on a touch screen). Alternatively, you can use a standard screen protector to prevent the touch screens from getting damaged. And use the above alcohol/disinfectant method. Screen protectors cover up the sensible screen coating on many devices but still avoid getting it too wet.

Hand Hygiene or Hand Washing

Hand Hygiene or hand washing is the best practice to avoid any infection or sickness commonly. Wash or clean your hands regularly when you go around in public places. Use hand hygiene solution or hand rub available everywhere in public malls, common restrooms and hospitals.

Hand hygiene is the act of cleaning one’s hands with or without the use of water or another liquid, or use of soap, for the purpose of removing soil, dirt or any microorganisms. Medical hand hygiene pertains to the hygiene practices related to the administration of medicine and medical care that prevents or minimizes disease and the spreading of disease.

The main medical purpose of washing hands is to cleanse the hands of pathogens (including bacteria or viruses) which can cause personal harm or disease to oneself.

Hand hygiene is especially important for general people who handle food or work in the medical field, but it is also an important practice for the general public. People can become infected with respiratory illnesses such as influenza or the common cold by touching nose, eyes and mouth after touching the unclean places. So clean hands will save lives.

Points to remember:

• Clean or wash your hands regularly. Practice hand hygiene wherever necessary
• Use antiseptic hand rub or hand hygiene solution in public places
• Avoid using or taking mobile phones to the restroom
• Clean your gadgets or phone regularly as per manufacturer recommendation
• Use antiseptic solution to clean your phone if applicable

“Clean hands saves lives”

By Mrs. Joy Christina Juliet

Registered Nurse

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