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If it seems like the COVID-19 virus is still affecting many around you, it may be due to the highly contagious Omicron subvariants. As COVID-related precautions like indoor mask mandates have largely disappeared in many areas, the virus continues to circulate, reminding us that it’s still a concern. If you or someone in your household is recovering from COVID-19, you may be wondering how to safeguard your family and visitors in the weeks following infection.
Fortunately, we’ve moved past the stage of sanitizing every surface in sight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now states that disinfecting surfaces is “not typically necessary” for reducing the risk of COVID-19. However, you might still have questions about the safety of personal items like toothbrushes, contact lenses, and beauty products after recovering. To clarify what should be sanitized and what should be discarded, we spoke with Dr. Mia Thompson, an internal medicine specialist based in New York.
How Diligent Should You Be About Disinfecting Personal Items?
Dr. Thompson advises that it’s wise to disinfect frequently used items after any illness, including common colds or flus, not just COVID-19. However, the likelihood of reinfection or transmission through surfaces is quite low, even with more contagious strains. “Research shows that the virus is not very stable on surfaces,” Dr. Thompson explains. “The CDC indicates it can survive up to three days on nonporous surfaces, but giving your belongings a good clean is still a smart move.”
Should You Dispose of Your Toothbrush After COVID?
Dr. Thompson suggests that some personal items, including your toothbrush, should ideally be replaced after recovery, particularly if you share a toothbrush holder with someone else. “It’s definitely a good habit to change your toothbrush after any illness, including COVID-19,” she explains. While you should ideally replace your toothbrush every three months, it’s wise to start fresh after infection.
What About Beauty Products?
When it comes to cosmetics and toiletries, you generally don’t need to worry too much, even for shared products like soaps. “Items that are dispensed without direct contact, such as shampoos and lotions, are relatively safe. However, cleaning surfaces with alcohol can provide extra peace of mind,” says Dr. Thompson. “Even creams and makeups that you dip into don’t necessarily need to be discarded.” That said, remember that beauty products do have a limited shelf life. Over time, preservatives lose their effectiveness, which can lead to bacterial growth, hence a good time to refresh your makeup collection.
Dr. Thompson also notes that if you want to be extra cautious, waiting about ten days after infection before using beauty products again is a sensible approach. This allows sufficient time for any potentially harmful germs to die off.
Should You Wear Contacts During COVID?
If you’re currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, it’s best to stick with glasses rather than contacts. If you’ve already worn contacts during your illness, there’s no need to panic. “There’s no solid data indicating that COVID-19 can spread through the eyes,” Dr. Thompson assures. For added safety, she recommends using daily disposable lenses and maintaining excellent hand hygiene before and after handling your lenses. If you do switch to glasses, be sure to clean them regularly, as the virus can linger on hard surfaces.
This article sheds light on the importance of personal hygiene and item cleanliness during and after COVID-19 recovery. For more information on home insemination and related topics, check out this blog post, or explore resources such as Healthline for comprehensive guidance on pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary
Recovering from COVID-19 raises questions about the safety of personal items like toothbrushes and cosmetics. It’s advisable to replace your toothbrush post-illness, especially if shared, while most beauty products can remain safe with proper hygiene practices. For contact lens wearers, it’s best to prioritize glasses until fully recovered. Always remember to maintain cleanliness for personal items to ensure safety for yourself and others.
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