Ah, the nose. A fascinating organ that lets you sniff out freshly baked cookies and the neighbor’s suspiciously fragrant compost pile. But as recent studies point out, it could also be a gateway to something far less pleasant: SARS-CoV-2 infection.
So, sit back, perhaps keep your fingers away from your nose (just for the duration of this blog post), and let’s dive into what might be the most delicate issue you’ll encounter today.
A Nose for Trouble
Health care workers, bless their tireless souls, are on the frontline of the battle against COVID-19. They’re also, apparently, on the front lines of… nose-picking. According to a new study conducted in the Netherlands, health care workers who engage in this common, albeit slightly uncouth habit, were three times more likely to acquire SARS-CoV-2 than those who did not.
Now, before you make a face (and try not to touch it while you’re at it), this isn’t about pointing fingers – unless they’re pointed towards nasal cavities. It’s about understanding a surprisingly overlooked aspect of infection prevention.
The Nose Knows (a Lot More than We Thought)
Dr. Ayesha Lavell of Amsterdam University Medical Centers led this riveting investigation into the link between nose-picking and COVID-19. Surveys suggest that 91% of people in the United States partake in this pastime. (Come on, admit it, you’ve done it too.)
What makes this issue significant is that prior research has indicated that picking or rubbing the nose can be a source of viral colonization. In plain English? Your finger might bring uninvited guests to the nasal party.
Scratching the Surface
Remember how during the initial days of the pandemic, experts recommended wearing face masks correctly? Well, that advice also included not scratching one’s nose behind the mask, lest you defeat its purpose.
This study investigated the relationship between nose-picking and the increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 among health care workers. Over the course of seven months, 404 healthcare workers were recruited, with 219 completing a survey.
Picking Apart the Results
Among the respondents, a staggering 84.5% reported engaging in nose-picking at varying frequencies, from daily to monthly. SARS-CoV-2 incidence was higher among nose-pickers (17.3%) compared to non-nose-pickers (5.9%).
Interestingly, other habits like nail biting, wearing glasses, or having a beard did not affect the risk for SARS-CoV-2. It’s the direct interaction with the nasal mucosa that appears to increase the risk.
In Conclusion: A Picky Subject
Dr. Lavell’s team found a strong association between nose-picking and viral transmission. The moral of the story? Well, if you’re in close contact with someone with an upper respiratory tract infection or amid a wave of respiratory diseases, keep those fingers in check.
This study offers a valuable lesson for clinicians, administrators, public health officials, and all of us regular nose owners. It’s not only about washing your hands and wearing masks; it’s also about where you put those hands afterward.
So, dear readers, as you contemplate this intriguing intersection of human behavior and infectious diseases, keep those digits at bay. Because the journey to a healthier you might just start with one decision: to keep your fingers away from temptation.
And if your fingers are feeling itchy, why not use them to reach out to us at Sullivan Dermatology? We’re always here to make you your best, even if your concerns are as common as the nose on your face! If you’re on the fence or have questions brewing, remember: We at Sullivan Dermatology are always here to help. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us – we’re here to make you your best!
