Using Shared PCs Can Make You Sick

by Keith Dsouza | Translate | Print
Sunday, 05th Jul 2009 | Share


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Using shared PCs is known to have security risks, however researchers have published a study which says that using shared PCs can also be a cause of spreading germs and diseases.

Reason? Take a look at the image below.

dirtyKeyboard

Though the above image is a bit harsh, even clean looking keyboards used by several people can contain as much as five times the number of microorganisms as those used by just one person.

According to Guardian.co.uk, in tests, almost half of the keyboards harbored the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus which, although usually harmless when it is on the skin, can lead to serious infections if it enters the body.

xkcd_optical_illusion

However there is no real way to get around this problem, other than by thoroughly cleaning the keyboards frequently, however chances are that many people may still visit places such as internet cafes, where the keyboards may have not been cleaned even if they have been used by 100s of people.

The safest bet is to quickly clean your hands with a sanitizer after using a shared PC, also DO NOT EAT anything while using shared PCs, there are chances that you are transferring the germs straight to your stomach.

To be more safe go ahead and buy your own computer, it is really cheap to get one for your home today.

How many of you used shared PCs? Have you ever thought that using a shared PC could turn out to be a health hazard? Let us know through your comments.



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One Response so far | Share Your Opinions!

  1. Michael Aulia
    July 5th, 2009 at 10:18 pm #

    Honestly speaking, I never clean my keyboard (besides doing a few swipes when cleaning my room with a damp cloth) O_o

    Never know it can be this dangerous!!

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