How Using Your Smartphone in the Bathroom is Making You Sick

These days it is very rare to come across someone who does not own a smartphone. Most people upgrade their smartphones every year, excitedly receiving the newest and best technology. While cell phones have had a huge impact on culture, there is very little talk surrounding the negative impact.

Smartphones have the potential to carry thousands of germs because of how frequently we use them. While no one likes to admit it, people do enjoy taking their phones to the bathroom, but this may not be the best habit.

Phone Usage

Because we live in a technology-based society, it is nearly impossible to go about your day without using your smartphone. According to a 2017 study, people ages 18-24 spend the most time on their phones, checking them an average of 86 times a day.

Now, before you start criticizing millennials for their high phone usage, the same study found that people of the age group 55+ are the fastest-growing number of smartphone users, increasing each year by an average of 8 percent. On average, this group of people looks at their phones 47 times per day, almost half of what it is for the previous age group.

According to a survey from 2013, out of 2,000 participants, three-quarters of them admitted to using their phone while in the bathroom. This is not just sitting on the toilet, people use their phones while brushing their teeth, washing their hands, and while getting ready for work in the morning.

Germs

While everyone loves the freedom to use their phone as they please, this habit may not be beneficial in the long run. A recent study found that there are more germs on your phone than there are on an average toilet seat. The research found more than 17,000 bacteria on phones, including E. Coli, MRSA, and Staphylococcus.

While there are naturally occurring bacteria on your phone that are harmless, there is a chance of your phone picking up bacteria that can make you very ill. People naturally touch their phone, their mouth, and their eyes; this is then repeated hundreds of times a day. This habit is what makes carrying your phone to the bathroom so dangerous.

Phone Habits

The answer is clear: stop bringing your phone into the bathroom with you. This might be difficult at first, but your immune system will thank you later. By not bringing your phone with you while you’re on the toilet or when you’re doing your morning routine, you are lessening the chances of getting sick.

Additionally, there are ways you can clean your phone. One of the best and simplest ways to clean is with a disinfectant wipe. Beware, iPhone users are not advised to use disinfectant wipes on their phones, but a lot of disinfectant wipes are safe for smartphone use. You can also buy a UV cleaner, where you can place your phone in a device and it uses UV rays to kill any germs living on your phone.

Velocity Urgent Care is open seven days a week and is here for all your immediate health needs. Stop by one of our seven clinics in the Hampton Roads area and see a professional about your health care needs.