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Why you shouldn’t pick your nose

Nose picking is associated with an increased risk of contracting a SARS-CoV-2

Nose picking is associated with an increased risk of contracting a SARS-CoV-2 A cohort study of hospital healthcare workers investigated whether certain behavioral and physical features could be associated with an increased infection risk of SARS-CoV-2. The different features included in the study were nose picking, nail biting, wearing glasses and having a beard.¹

The study found that SARS-CoV-2 incidence was higher in nose picking healthcare workers compared to participants that did not do nose picking. No other association could be found between the incident of infection and the other investigated behaviors or physical features. This suggests that nose picking could contribute to infection.¹

Hospital care workers are more likely to contract SARS-CoV-2 infection

Hospital care workers are more likely to contract SARS-CoV-2 infection². The authors wanted to investigate whether there are certain behaviors that could decrease the risk of infection. These findings have now contributed to recommendations to healthcare facilities, like increasing awareness on the subject and implementing nose picking guidelines within infection prevention.¹

The nose’s key role in spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus

Another study emphasized the nose’s key role in spreading the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This research explored how the virus might enter the body and discovered that factors aiding the virus’s entry are mainly found in the nose’s lining, alongside our innate immune genes.³

Given these finding, it is understandable that nose picking is associated with a higher incidence of SARS-CoV-2. The authors argue that these types of simple behavioral properties are often overlooked by the scientific community in research on SARS-CoV-2 transmission routes. They want to stress the importance of not overlooking these simple properties and believe that nose picking should be considered as a potential health hazard and be implemented in infection prevention guidelines.¹

Prevention

There are ways to prevent yourself from picking your nose or simply reduce the amount of viruses that enter your upper respiratory system.

NOSA Microbial Control is designed to reduce your exposure to viruses and bacteria when you breathe in through your nose. Reduced exposure to viruses and bacteria reduces the risk of respiratory infections.

Go to product -> NOSA microbial control

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