2023-08-05 21:08:02
Title: New Study Indicates Nose Picking Increases the Risk of Covid Infection
Subtitle: Dutch research finds healthcare workers who pick their noses are almost three times more likely to contract the virus
Date: August 5, 2023
A new study conducted in the Netherlands has revealed that nose picking could significantly increase the risk of contracting Covid-19. Apart from being viewed as unsavory, the act of picking your nose can ‘facilitate’ the transmission of the virus from hands into the nasal canal, according to scientists.
The research, which focused on healthcare workers, found that individuals who admitted to nose picking were nearly three times more likely to contract the virus compared to those who refrained from the habit. The study surveyed 219 healthcare workers, of which almost 85 percent confessed to picking their noses at different rates – monthly, weekly, or daily. It was discovered that approximately 17 percent of these nose pickers contracted Covid-19, compared to only about 6 percent of non-pickers.
Interestingly, the study found that the frequency of nose picking did not significantly impact the risk. Regardless of how often one engaged in the activity, the risk of contracting the virus remained relatively the same. The data collected also revealed that doctors, support staff, and nurses were the most common nose pickers.
In contrast, the study found that biting one’s nails or wearing a beard or glasses did not increase the likelihood of testing positive for Covid-19. Despite concerns about mask-wearing due to beards or glasses potentially hindering their effectiveness, the study did not recognize an increased risk associated with these factors.
The study highlighted the importance of the protective membrane in the nasal cavities. Our noses serve as vital entry points for bacteria and viruses present in the air. The mucous membrane within the nasal cavities acts as a defense, trapping pathogens so that the immune system can neutralize them before they multiply. However, any damage to this protective lining, such as through nose picking, compromises its effectiveness, making it easier for pathogens like the coronavirus to enter the bloodstream.
It is worth noting that people often touch their faces for various reasons, such as self-soothing. Touching the face stimulates the fifth cranial nerve, which carries sensory signals from the face to the brainstem and can help to calm individuals down. However, medical professionals emphasize the importance of keeping hands away from the face to curb the spread of disease.
To mitigate the risk of contagion or disease transmission, experts recommend washing hands frequently or using hand sanitizer. Additionally, breaking the habit of face-touching can be challenging, but replacing it with less risky behaviors such as rubbing hands together or fiddling with a piece of jewelry can help.
As the world continues to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, understanding the potential risks associated with everyday behaviors like nose picking is crucial. By being mindful of these habits and taking precautions, individuals can play an active role in preventing the spread of the virus and protecting their health.]
#picks #nose #risk #contracting #infection #health