Australian Medical Association of WA warns mobile phone hygiene crucial in flu fight

KEEP your mobile phone clean to avoid catching the flu. That’s the advice of the Australian Medical Association of WA, who today warned our favourite devices were “Petri dishes for disease and germs.” The shortest day of the year may already be behind us, but Health Department WA data suggests WA’s influenza season is only just starting. AMA WA president Michael Gannon said mobile phone hygiene was crucial to warding off the flu. “The winter flu season is just starting and people should remember the checklist of ways to prevent catching or passing on the flu,” he said. said. “Mobile phones are one of our most used personal items and have become Petri dishes for disease and germs. “We have to remember that we take our mobile phones everywhere — from our beds to our kitchens, to work and to the toilet. “Studies have shown that mobile phones are dirtier than toilet seats, and are one the dirtiest things we come in contact with on a daily basis. “We pass our phones around to our children, our friends and work colleagues and our germs can soon become their diseases.” Dr Gannon said recent studies had shown one-in-six mobile phones contained traces of E. coli bateria. He said the best way to ensure your phone was germ-free was to use antibacterial wipes every few weeks, or to roll your mobile phone in your hands after using hand sanitiser.