 and nurses (80%), following the survey at two university medical centres in The Netherlands in 2020. On a whole, 85% of those taking part said they picked their nose "at least incidentally", with experts saying the habit maybe "underestimated" in its effectiveness at spreading the virus. Meanwhile, a third of participants said they bite their nails but the study did not find a positive link between this habit and the likelihood of contracting Covid. Researchers said this could be due to saliva protecting against the virus, while the nose is the main route into the body. It is thought the virus could be present in the moist tissue lining the nose in the days after infection. Beards and glasses also didn't increase the risk. Writing in the PLOS One journal, the team concluded: "Subsequently, nose picking healthcare workers who are infected with [coronavirus] could contaminate the work environment, potentially leading to further transmission." The authors said the spread of Covid between hospital staff was a major problem and recommended "educational sessions against nose-picking in infection prevention guidelines". It comes as experts warn a new wave of the virus is starting in the UK - but due to monitoring and tracking having stopped it is difficult to tell how it's developing. Last week, the UK Health){kind=link}
A new study carried out in the Netherlands has found a link between picking the nose and spreading coronavirus in medical settings, as new variant Eris spreads through the UK
Healthcare workers who pick their noses could be are more likely to get Covid, according to a study – as a new variant hits the UK.
Researchers say those in such positions must be made aware of the risks of the habit when it comes to the potential for spreading coronavirus. 17% of 219 people taking part in the survey who admitted to picking their noses tested positive – compared to 6% who didn’t.
Doctors – at a staggering 95% – were the most frequent nose pickers, followed by support staff (86%) and nurses (80%), following the survey at two university medical centres in The Netherlands in 2020.
On a whole, 85% of those taking part said they picked their nose “at least incidentally”, with experts saying the habit maybe “underestimated” in its effectiveness at spreading the virus.