February 13, 2024 – When it involves the germiest items in existence, there's one icky problem: your keyboard may contain more bacteria than a rest room seat.
The levels and variety of bacteria on a keyboard surface are “troubling,” said Josh Gordon, who makes a speciality of the intersection of health and the digital world at Geonode, a web based data management service.
“We're talking E. coli, Staphylococci, Streptococcito name a few,” he said.
The warmth of our fingers on the keyboard, along with everything from skin cells to food crumbs, creates a “fertile breeding ground” for harmful bacteria, Gordon explained.
“Keyboard hygiene is no longer a side note, but a must,” he said. “It’s about consciously creating a safer and healthier digital environment for all of us.”
However, keyboards are hardly the cause of this problem. Harmful microorganisms – such as bacteria, viruses, etc Mushrooms – have been with us since the beginning of humanity. And they can be deadly: One study It is estimated that common bacterial pathogens accounted for nearly 8 million deaths worldwide in 2019.
Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of infection prevention and control at the University of Kansas Health System, mentioned these microorganisms “convinced enemies” who can live almost anywhere. They are found on countless surfaces that we touch constantly throughout the day – like doorknobs, ATMs, countertops, and public transportation.
“[What is not clear is] “What is the actual incidence of disease from these sources compared to bacteria found on and in our bodies,” he said. “Just touching or coming into contact with the bacteria does not automatically lead to illness in the vast majority of people; our skin provides an excellent barrier against invasive diseases caused by these bacteria.”
People in certain jobs that frequently use technological devices may be at even higher risk of bacterial infections. Nurses, for example, constantly use computer keyboards to enter patient information during their often 12-hour shifts. Many nurses understand how many microorganisms can end up on their keyboards while clogging up at their desks, said Esther Karioki, RN, who manages a senior nursing home in Kansas.
“The most [nurses] “We'll come and wipe down the nurses' station, wipe down the desk before they put their purse there,” she said. “But of course I leave this computer and someone else comes and uses this computer. Hand hygiene is not the same for everyone.”
Frequent use of chemical disinfectants on hardware similar to computers can often be discouraged as a consequence of the danger of device damage. Using keyboard covers — often made from plastic or silicone — is a terrific way for nurses to sanitize and sanitize their computer stations without consistently damaging their equipment, Karioki said.
Other safety suggestions from Gordon: Avoid eating at the pc. Food particles that fall between computer keys could cause bacteria. Also, clean your keyboard often. Use a compressed air duster to blow away dust and dirt. Then use disinfectant wipes to shine the world.
According to Hawkinson, good hand hygiene just isn't only chargeable for keeping your private home and work spaces clean, but it is usually top-of-the-line ways to cut back the danger of harmful bacterial diseases. This includes frequent handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
“Hand hygiene after using the toilet, before eating, after being in public places just like the gym or store where you will have touched ceaselessly touched surfaces, and at other times throughout the day is the perfect strategy to stay healthy. “” he said. “Also remember not to put your hands in your eyes, nose and mouth, as this can be an important entry point into our body, especially for respiratory viruses.”