What Lurks On Your Keyboard

Harmful Bacteria Could Be Colonizing On Those Keys

(WebMD)  Both successfully disinfected the keyboard. But only the 10-minute germicide killed the bacteria on the keyboard covers. "VRE and PSAE were still present on the covers after five minutes," says Noskin's study.

In real life, those bacteria might not be on your computer keyboard. But who knows what's on your keyboard? Ever sneeze or cough over it? See any crumbs down there between the keys? And come to think of it, when was the last time you cleaned your computer?

Follow manufacturers' directions for cleaning your computer without damaging it.


Wash Your Hands

"While it's important to disinfect computer equipment on a regular basis, the most important disease prevention strategy is to wash your hands prior to patient contact," Noskin tells health care workers in the news release.

You don't have to be a doctor or nurse to follow that advice. Keeping hands clean is a good way for anyone to keep germs at bay.

Sources: 15th Annual Scientific Session of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Los Angeles, April 9-12, 2005. News release, Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.