As COVID-19 continues to circulate, particularly with the emergence of highly transmissible variants, many individuals are left wondering how to manage personal items after recovery. If you or someone in your household has recently been ill, it’s important to consider what items might need to be replaced or sanitized to ensure safety.
According to Dr. Lisa Thompson, a Chicago-based internal medicine physician, it’s wise to disinfect commonly used items after any infectious illness. While the risk of spreading COVID-19 through surfaces is low, it’s still a good idea to maintain hygiene. The CDC states that the virus can linger on nonporous surfaces for up to three days, so thorough cleaning is beneficial but full-scale disinfection of your home isn’t necessary.
Is It Time to Replace Your Toothbrush?
Dr. Thompson emphasizes that it’s a good practice to change your toothbrush after any illness, including COVID-19. If you share a toothbrush holder with others, this is even more crucial. While you should generally replace your toothbrush every three months, doing so after recovering from COVID is a smart move.
What About Beauty Products?
Most cosmetics and personal care items are relatively safe to use, even if shared. Products dispensed through tubes or pumps, like shampoos and cleansers, are less of a concern, but you might want to sanitize the surfaces with alcohol. Even products that require direct contact, like moisturizers or lipsticks, generally don’t need to be discarded. Just keep in mind that cosmetic items have a shelf life and can harbor bacteria over time. If you’re concerned, let these products sit for about 10 days post-illness to ensure any lingering germs have died off.
Moreover, sharing beauty products is not advisable. While the chance of reinfection with the same virus variant is low for yourself, it could pose a risk to others who haven’t been exposed.
Should You Continue Wearing Contacts?
If you’re recovering from COVID, consider wearing glasses instead of contacts, although there’s no evidence of the virus transmitting through your eyes. If you do wear contacts, using daily disposables is ideal. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling them. If you switch to glasses, remember that COVID can survive on hard surfaces, so clean your glasses regularly.
For more insights on health and safety during the pandemic, check out this detailed resource on infertility resources.
For those looking to dive deeper into related topics, here are some additional resources: What to do with your toothbrush, Iron for infants, and more.
Summary
In conclusion, after recovering from COVID, it’s wise to replace your toothbrush and consider the cleanliness of your beauty products. While many items can be sanitized and reused, ensuring personal hygiene is key. If unsure, waiting a few days before using shared items can help mitigate any risk.
SEO Metadata: