How safe is the surface you touch?
Several harmful bacteria and viruses survive for days on surfaces far away from the living cells that they need in order to reproduce.How long they are active depends on the kind of surface and the properties of the particular germ.
The jury is still out on several germs and exactly how long they survive on surfaces. But there’s enough research to indicate that many deadly viruses remain active across surfaces, including metal, wood, cardboard and plastic, for hours. A study in The New England Journal of Medicine indicated that the Covid-19 virus stayed active on metal surfaces such as stainless steel, for as long as 4 hours.Other reviews on the survival of the virus on surfaces found staggering variability ranging from 2 hours to 9 days!
How the transmission happens
Harmful bacteria or virus get transferred from surfaces through hands to the nose or eyes, from where it enters the body via the mucus membranes. Here’s a daunting fact: Most people touch their faces 3-30 times an hour! Having touched a contaminated surface – plastic, wood, metal or even cardboard – they are therefore highly likely to touch their noses or eyes without a thought, unwittingly transferring germs into their systems.
How surfaces become reservoirs of germs
Droplets that an infected person may emit while coughing for instance, can land on any surface nearby. Or, if the infected person happens to touch any surface, the germs would be transferred then too. While danger lurks in most surfaces, those that we touch frequently with bare hands, such as countertops, tables, doorknobs, handles and handrails, are of greater concern than chairs or other surfaces that we’re in contact with through clothing.
How to ensure protection
Yes, you must wear a mask and maintain social distancing, but good personal hygiene goes a long way too. Be sure to cough or sneeze into your elbow when you are around people. Another major focus area is to keep surfaces germ-free even if everyone in your house or office is healthy. Remember, infected people may be asymptomatic, but they can still shed harmful virus and bacteria. Opt for Dr. Rhazes Germ Kill Spray Foam for two-in-one action. It is safe to use on your hands and as a surface-disinfectant that ensures instant and long-lasting protection. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently – you never know when they may have rested on an infected surface. When on the go, use a hand sanitizer. Also carry sanitizer wipes to rub down frequentlytouched surfaces such as shopping carts, ATM buttons, money, bathroom sinks, toilet bowls and remote-controls.
It’s worth it!