ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Frequently-touched surfaces in pharmacies are likely to be a hotbed of germs during the cold and flu season, say scientists.

They claim that the door handles, sign-in screens and payment terminals in chemist shops could be harbouring a range of pathogens including faecal bacteria, COVID and the common cold virus.

And they advise people to use hand sanitiser after touching these surfaces and then wash their hands on arrival home as an extra layer of protection.

"A majority of people picking up prescriptions are likely to be sick, or will have been near someone who is sick," said gastroenterologist at Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants Supriya Rao. "Germs on their hands can end up on the screen, linger and then travel to the next person's fingers."

Microbiologist Jason Tetro says the majority of people are still treating the pharmacy as a shop rather than as a healthcare facility. "Even if your quick pharmacy run only takes minutes, that's enough time for you to get virus-carrying germs on your hands because the minute you touch something, there's going to be transfer," he said.

"Using hand sanitiser while on the go is a great way to help protect yourself." Pharmacy customers should wet their hands completely with sanitiser and then rub it in for 15 seconds, said Tetro. But he adds that washing the hands after touching any potentially-contaminated surface is the best defence because some pathogens are resistant to santiser.

"Washing your hands when you get home can add an extra layer," he said.