Bad news for germophobes: Those plastic toys your baby puts in his mouth can become a harbor for viruses like the flu for as long as 24 hours, a new study found.
Scientists at Georgia State University studied how long certain viruses could stay active on a plastic squeaky frog. The virus type, called an ‘enveloped virus’ because it has a protective outer layer, includes flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) – although you don’t need to worry about the last two popping up at your child’s daycare. They’re not active in the U.S.
Researchers replicated a standard 72-degree indoor environment for the toy, one at 40 percent humidity and the other at 60 percent. In the more humid environment, the toy still had enough active virus to make a child sick after 24 hours. The virus died off sooner in 40 percent humidity, but was still infectious after 10 hours.
Other studies have already shown that toys in daycares, doctor’s offices and homes can spread illnesses. The latest study, published in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, shows just how long contaminated toys can remain infectious.
The virus did become much less infectious as the hours passed: only 1 percent remained active after 24 hours in 60-degree humidity. However, because young children tend to put their hands and foreign objects in their mouths and because their immune systems are less developed, they’re more vulnerable to picking up viruses, said the study’s lead author, Richard Bearden II.
Tips for keeping your child’s environment germ-free include regularly disinfecting toys with bleach, wiping down shared surfaces like door handles and light switches, and encouraging kids to wash their hands regularly.
Do you worry about germs spread by toys? What’s your strategy for keeping your kid’s playtime germ-free?
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