Bacteria & Viruses, Fighting the Invisible Invaders

Did you know that an average smartphone has more than 17,000 bacterial gene copies that carry 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats? And that is because we don’t clean our smartphones as often as we should.
 

Whenever you touch your device with unwashed hands, bacteria from your hands will spread to your phone. As the screen is usually warm, bacteria thrives and transfers to your fingers, face, eyes, ears, and lips. Our hands often end up with germs due to various factors. One significant contributor is the frequent sharing of common areas with many people. When multiple individuals touch the same objects or surfaces, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons or handrails, germs can easily transfer from one person to another. Additionally, poor personal hygiene practices play a significant role in the accumulation of germs on our hands.
 

Germs are thriving everywhere around you. Although some good bacteria are necessary and beneficial for your body to fight the bad ones, there are other airborne and adhered species known to spread illness and disease.
 

So, what can you do to keep bad bacteria at bay? In today’s topic, we will focus on bacteria growth and how you can fight effectively against it.

A study conducted by Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) found that we breathe in thousands of different bacteria species per day. At least 70% of the species are present constantly in the atmosphere⁷.
 

Bacteria and virus growth usually depends on climate temperature, pH levels, oxygen levels, humidity, and moisture. Let’s identify some of the most common bad bacteria and viruses found around you.
 

• Staphylococcus aureus
A type of bacteria that lives on the skin and in the nose. These bacteria also breed on object surfaces and areas where people gather⁸.

- Staph infection
S. aureus or Staph can cause a range of infections, from minor skin infections like boils and impetigo to more serious infections like pneumonia and sepsis. S. aureus is also becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
 

• Escherichia coli
A type of bacteria lives in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. Known commonly as E. coli, they can also survive on household surfaces, particularly in areas where food is prepared or consumed⁹.


- Foodborne disease
Some strains of E. coli, specifically the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) can cause foodborne disease when ingested, which can lead to symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
 

• Mould and Mildew
Mould and mildew are types of fungi commonly found in homes. If wet areas in your house are left unattended within 48 hours, the microbes will start to grow and spread¹⁰.


- Mould and mildew contamination
Exposure to mould and mildew spores can cause skin allergies and respiratory problems. Some might experience severe symptoms like asthma attacks or lung infections if exposed to large amounts of fungal contamination for extended periods. Mould and mildew contamination can also cause damage to the interior of your house and household items.
 

• Influenza (Flu)
Influenza viruses have different strains and are responsible for flu, a respiratory disease that can be transmitted from person to person. It affects the nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs, and can result in mild to severe symptoms¹¹.


- Flu symptoms
Symptoms of flu include fever or cold, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. In some cases, vomiting and diarrhoea may occur.

Although we can’t really prevent these bacteria and viruses from entering our homes, there are ways to inhibit and keep them at bay. Here are some tips:
 

1. Invest in a good air purification system
 

A good product with a robust air purifying system can help filter out bacteria, dust, and other pollutants in the air and improve the overall air quality in your home.
 

2. Wipe it off
 

Bacteria can easily grow and multiply on surfaces of any object. Use a disinfectant cleaner or non-alcohol wipes to wipe down surfaces daily. Also, wash your carpet and upholstery regularly to prevent bad odours.
 

3. Wash your hands
 

One of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of bacteria is to wash your hands. Do it regularly before eating or preparing food, after using the bathroom and after coming into contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
 

4. Keep your home dry
 

Bacteria thrive in damp environments, so it's important to keep your home dry. Fix any leaks or water damage fast and use a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels in your home.
 

5. Disinfect all cleaning sponges
 

The sponges that you clean your dishes and sinks are harbouring a lot of bacteria. If you are cleaning with old sponges that have not been disinfected, you are spreading bacteria around your home. So, use a good disinfectant to keep your sponges’ bacteria free. If it gets too old and in bad condition, change it immediately.
 

6. Maintain good ventilation
 

Good indoor ventilation plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of infection by diluting and removing airborne pathogens, ensuring a healthier and safer environment for occupants.
 

It's important to note that many types of good and bad bacteria exist in your home, workplaces, and surroundings. Adopting good hygiene practices, using air purification products, enhancing ventilation, and optimising humidity levels can collectively minimise the spread of bacteria and viruses.

nanoe™ X technology releases vast amounts of hydroxyl radicals per second, dispersing rapidly to neutralise viral proteins in the air and surfaces. This is extremely beneficial within a residential setting, as nanoe™ X particles can assist to inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses on surfaces of our commonly used household objects like keyboards and tabletops or personal belongings such as mobile phones and handbags.
 

It can also purify pollutants floating in the air as well. Sized around 5-20nm, nanoe™ X particles are capable of penetrating deep into fabrics like clothing, curtains, sofas and carpets to inhibit germs. Since nanoe™ X has a deodorisation effect as well, it can help to always keep your home fresh too.
 

nanoe™ X technology is also tested effective against adhered viruses like Influenza (H1N1 subtype) by 99.9% in 2 hours and staphylococcus aureus by 99% in 8 hours.
 

Selected nanoe™ X products can also inhibit the activity of airborne bacteria (staphylococcus aureus) by 99% in 3 hours¹².
 

To learn more about Panasonic nanoe™ X click here.