Your doctor’s phone may be full of dangerous viruses that can make you sick

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While your trusty smartphone may not be the cleanest thing you carry around with you, at least yours can’t give you a nasty illness. But your doctor’s smartphone may.

Researchers from the Laboratory of Infectious Agents and Hygiene at the University Hospital of Saint-Étienne in France shows that mobile phones or smartphone used by hospital staff harbour viral ribonucleic acid or RNA.

The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), has published findings that show viral RNA is carried on the mobile devices of hospital staff, potentially exposing patients to infection.

Researchers tested the mobile phones and hospital cordless phones used by a selection of 114 healthcare workers.

It is not germs that you should worry about when it comes to devices used by your doctor. Your doctor’s phone may be full of dangerous viruses that can make you sick.

The presence of RNA from viruses such as influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, rotavirus and norovirus were found on 38.5% of phones.

While the majority of the healthcare staff (64%) admitted to using their phones during work, 20% said they never carried out hand hygiene procedures before or after using their devices.

We are guessing you won’t see your doctor quite the same way now.

Take care of yourself. Maintain good hygiene, always wash your hands, and stay away from the ones who are suffering from viruses.

Source: AFP Relaxnews

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