Keeping your phone clean can prevent you from getting sick

We often ignore how many bacteria your mobile phone carries. From the number of surfaces we place them to every touch or every touch that allows someone else to touch – unclean hands.

According to a 2020 review of past research, researchers found that cell phones around the world have a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and other diseases-causing microorganisms.

Because we carry our phones with us, it is essential to understand the importance of proper disinfection.

Dr. Bill Sullivan, researches infectious diseases in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine. He explains the types of bacteria that can be found on your phone and what you can do to protect yourself.

Question: What type of bacteria can be used on your phone?

Bill Sullivan: Indeed, multiple studies have found multiple bacteria on mobile phones. These include skin bacteria, such as Staphylococcus (including MRSA, difficult to treat versions) and Streptococcus, as well as feces such as E. coli and enterococci. These bacteria can cause skin infections, strep throat or gastrointestinal diseases, leading to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Viruses commonly found on mobile phones include norovirus, which can survive on the surface for several days and cause vomiting and diarrhea when contracting, as well as respiratory viruses that can cause pneumonia or influenza. By the way, we are currently in a norovirus outbreak, which is not uncommon in winter because the cold promotes the virus’s ability to survive on the surface (including phone calls).

What is your risk of getting sick through your cell phone?

Sullivan: Often, the people most susceptible to all of these infections include very young, older people and those with weak immune systems. These people should take additional precautions to keep their cell phones clean. Parents who let their children use their phones should clean the phone before and after their children’s processing.

Although several studies can find these bacteria on mobile phones, it is not clear that they are the main source of infection that causes a wide range of diseases and more studies are needed to validate the claim. However, since cell phones are known bacterial vectors, it makes sense to keep them clean.

What precautions should people take to prevent bacteria from getting sick on their phones?

Sullivan: The risk of infection is real, so simple precautions can be taken to prevent illness. These include

• Avoid using your phone in the bathroom and then wash your hands thoroughly before handling it.
• Don’t place your phone on a surface that may be bacteria.
• If you use your phone in a medical office or hospital, disinfect it.
• If someone else uses your phone, disinfect it.
• Avoid touching your face, mouth and eyes with unclean hands.
• When talking on the phone, avoid letting it touch your cheek or mouth.
• Disinfect your phone at least once a day.
• Be sure to wash or disinfect before eating.

How should you clean your phone correctly?

Sullivan: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to disinfect the equipment; alcohol wipes usually work well without damaging the electronics.

About Indiana University School of Medicine

IU Medical School is the largest medical school in the United States and is listed as the top medical school in the United States by U.S. News and World Report every year. The school provides high-quality medical education, obtains leading medical research and a wealth of campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban residence locations, recognized for livability. According to Blue Ridge Institute of Medicine, IU Medical College ranked 13th in 2023 with NIH funding among all public medical colleges in the country.