Hotel Lobbies: A Hidden Hotspot for Germs – adn how to Protect yourself
(world-today-news.com) – You’ve just arrived at your hotel, juggling luggage and eager to check in.The last thing on your mind is likely the unseen world of germs lurking on surfaces around you. But experts warn that hotel lobbies can be surprisingly contaminated, rivaling hospital waiting rooms in thier potential to spread illness.
“Think of hotel lobbies the same way as hospital waiting rooms,” explains Jason Tetro, a microbiologist and author of “The germ code.” “They are filled with people who are passing time… [and are] the perfect place for germs to spread.”
A recent study confirmed these concerns, analyzing contamination levels and infection risk in common hotel lobby areas – from the check-in counter to the gym and restrooms.”This study showed that just a couple of heavily used surfaces… can quickly spread germs around a hotel lobby,” says Dr. Kelly Reynolds, an environmental scientist at the University of Arizona’s College of Public Health and researcher for the study. “Because so many people touch the same spots, germs can jump from hand to hand, to face, and even to food.”
So, Where are the Germiest Spots?
According to the research, some areas are significantly more contaminated then others:
Elevator Buttons: These are the worst offenders, receiving approximately one-third of all touches in the lobby. Dr. Reynolds calls them a “central hub” and “super-spreader site,” connecting people to various areas and facilitating germ transmission.
Front Desk Counter: The second most touched surface, making it a prime location for bacterial and viral transfer.
Tabletops,Bar Tops & Buffet Countertops: These areas pose a risk as people often touch their mouths while eating,easily transferring germs from hands to food.
Entry Door Handles: Germs from outside can easily enter the lobby via these frequently touched handles. A study tracking a harmless virus found it spread to half of all targeted surfaces after being introduced on a door handle. Bathroom Door Handles: While touched less frequently, these can harbor harmful fecal bacteria due to inadequate handwashing.
Upholstered Furniture: Often overlooked during cleaning, upholstered chairs and sofas can harbor germs within their porous fabrics.
what Kind of Germs Are We Talking About?
The types of germs found in hotel lobbies are varied and can include:
Respiratory Viruses: Flu, RSV, COVID-19, and the common cold are easily spread through droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.
Food Poisoning Bacteria: Salmonella and Campylobacter are commonly found in food service areas.
Gastrointestinal Pathogens: Norovirus (the ”stomach bug”) thrives in bathroom environments.
Skin Microbes: Staphylococcus bacteria can cause skin infections and, in severe cases, lead to life-threatening illnesses, according to the Mayo Clinic.
How Likely Are You to Get Sick?
The risk of contracting an illness depends on several factors,including the type of germ,the hotel’s cleaning practices,and your own immune system. However, understanding the risks allows you to take proactive steps to protect yourself.
[More information on preventative measures will be added in a follow-up article.]
Sources:
Jason Tetro: https://jasontetro.com/
“The Germ Code” by Jason Tetro: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/221823/the-germ-code-by-jason-tetro/9780385678537
Study on contaminated surfaces: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1438463925000689?dgcid=coauthor#sec5
Dr. Kelly Reynolds: https://profiles.arizona.edu/person/reynolds
Dr. Shira Doron: https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/doctor/shira-doron
Salmonella: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/index.html
Campylobacter: https://www.cdc.gov/campylobacter/about/index.html
Norovirus: https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html
Mayo Clinic (Staph Infections): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mrsa/symptoms-causes/syc-20375336
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