Here’s what an epidemiologist says about tossing your toothbrush.
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I recently had COVID, and even though I had a mild case, I was pretty sick ( you can read more about my experience here ). After I recovered, I had some pressing questions like: "How exactly should I disinfect my house?," "Will I ever be able to walk up my stairs again without feeling completely winded?" and "Should I throw away my toothbrush?"
The last question stumped me the most, because I typically always toss my toothbrush after a bout of sickness. But since COVID-19 is a newer (and seemingly always-evolving) virus, I wondered if the toothbrush-tossing guidance was any different. I asked Bertha Hidalgo , Ph.D., M.P.H., an associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to weigh in.
Hidalgo says, "The SARS-CoV-2 virus [which causes COVID-19], including the omicron variant, is not very stable on surfaces. However, it is always a good idea to change toothbrushes or toothbrush heads after illness." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adds that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive for up to three days on common nonporous surfaces. So once you've recovered (or after about 10 days since you tested positive), it's worth swapping out your toothbrush for a new one—especially if you share a toothbrush holder with another person.
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The situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to change quickly; it's possible that information or data has changed since publication. While EatingWell is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations by using the CDC, WHO and their local public health department as resources.
Can you get reinfected with Covid from toothbrush? 2 So when you're sick and you brush your teeth, germs end up on your toothbrush, too. And
if it's stored in a shared toothbrush holder, germs can spread to other people in your household. Not everyone who has COVID-19 shows symptoms, so it's important to practice proper toothbrush hygiene even if you think you're fine.
more Can my toothbrush reinfect me with Covid? 2 So when you're sick and you brush your teeth, germs end up on your toothbrush, too. And
if it's stored in a shared toothbrush holder, germs can spread to other people in your household. Not everyone who has COVID-19 shows symptoms, so it's important to practice proper toothbrush hygiene even if you think you're fine.
more Can you reinfect yourself from your toothbrush? Additionally,
a toothbrush can be the cause of reinfection of a bacterial illness, such as strep throat. Since bacteria will die in the presence of oxygen, bacteria on a toothbrush that properly air dries between each use generally are not an issue for reinfection.
more Do vaccinated people who got COVID-19 have more COVID-19 antibodies? Lab research suggests that people with hybrid immunity make higher levels of virus-fighting antibodies than people who've been either vaccinated or infected. Their antibodies are also more potent than those in people who've only gotten their initial COVID-19 vaccines.
Jan 20, 2022
more How long could COVID-19 immunity last after you had COVID-19? So while it is becoming clear that some form of immune response against the virus can be detected for more than a year after COVID-19 infection, their levels may not be enough to provide full protection against reinfection.
more Can you reinfect yourself with a cold from your toothbrush? Additionally, a toothbrush can be the cause of reinfection of a bacterial illness, such as strep throat. Since bacteria will die in the presence of oxygen,
bacteria on a toothbrush that properly air dries between each use generally are not an issue for reinfection.
more How do you clean a toothbrush after using Covid? Squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto a Q-tip or piece of wax paper, then apply it to the bristles. Remember, you only need a pea-sized amount. Toothbrushes can still have germs on them even after being visibly rinsed clean. 5 Though adults know better, make sure the kids aren't grabbing for the wrong brush.
more Can you reinfect yourself with strep from toothbrush? Your Toothbrush Can Reinfect You After an Illness
It is possible to reinfect yourself with a bacterial illness. If, for example, you have strep and your toothbrush has been colonized by the strep bacteria, you can get strep again.
more Can your toothbrush reinfect you with Covid? 2 So when you're sick and you brush your teeth, germs end up on your toothbrush, too. And
if it's stored in a shared toothbrush holder, germs can spread to other people in your household. Not everyone who has COVID-19 shows symptoms, so it's important to practice proper toothbrush hygiene even if you think you're fine.
more What are Post-COVID conditions or Long COVID? Post-COVID conditions (PCC, or Long COVID) are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience four or more weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
more How do I disinfect my toothbrush after using Covid? Squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto a Q-tip or piece of wax paper, then apply it to the bristles. Remember, you only need a pea-sized amount. Toothbrushes can still have germs on them even after being visibly rinsed clean.
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