We all use our cell phones every day, everywhere. Now, one Texas A&M Corpus Christi parasitology professor warns our phone, can be a big reason why we get sick.
Cell phones are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Dr. Xavier Gonzales, a professor at Texas A&M Corpus Christi says phones are ten times dirtier than your toilet seat.
“People are sneezing, and if you go wash your hands and then you go grab your phone, you basically just dried your hands off with the dirt,” said Dr. Gonzales.
Not to mention, our phones go with us everywhere, including the kitchen and bathroom.
“This is our entertainment in those moments of not having anything to do,” said Dr. Gonzales.
Dr. Gonzales says cell phones are not only very dirty, but they easily spread germs and disease.
Two TAMUCC students who spoke to KRIS 6 admitted to knowing their phones are dirty. However only one cleans their’s, the other does not.
“I was recently sick,” said Ivy Howard, a biomedical sciences student. “And I go back to my phone, and I didn’t really think about it.”
“I was kind of disgusted,” said Gerrhet Jenson, another TAMUCC student. “I thought we lived in a pretty clean world.”
But there are things you can do to reduce germs on your phone. Clean it regularly with alcohol or antibacterial wipes, purchase a UV light phone sanitizer, or change your phone case regularly.
Dr. Gonzales says they’re all good tips to keep in mind, and can even prevent you from getting sick.
“We have to be conscientious,” said Dr. Gonzales. “We’re peaking up in flu season. Clean your phones.”
Experts say other technology that carry a ton of germs are tablets, game controllers, keyboards and mouses, and remote controls.
