Recent Study Reveals Nose Picking Could Increase Covid Infection Risk: How Nose Drillers Face Higher Transmission Odds
Beyond being unsightly, nose picking might be more detrimental to your health than previously thought. Scientists now suggest that it could heighten the risk of contracting Covid due to potential virus transmission from hands into the nasal canal. The nose serves as a direct route to the brain, allowing bacteria to penetrate easily. A study conducted among healthcare workers in the Netherlands discovered that those who engaged in nose picking were nearly three times more likely to contract the virus compared to non-pickers.
The Dutch researchers emphasized that the role of nose picking in Covid transmission may have been underestimated. Out of the 219 healthcare workers surveyed, almost 85 percent admitted to picking their noses at varying rates—ranging from monthly to daily. Among them, around 17 percent tested positive for Covid, in contrast to about 6 percent of non-nose pickers. The risk was found to be similar regardless of the frequency of nose picking. Interestingly, doctors topped the list with 95 percent admitting to the habit, followed by support staff (86 percent) and nurses (80 percent).
Interestingly, the study showed that biting nails or wearing beards or glasses did not increase the likelihood of a positive Covid test, despite potential mask-related issues.
Nose picking damages the protective membrane lining the nasal cavities, making it easier for viruses like Covid to enter the bloodstream. The mucous membrane’s stickiness usually traps pathogens, allowing the immune system to attack them before they multiply. However, nose picking compromises this protective lining, leaving the body more vulnerable to infections.
Touching one’s face, including picking the nose, is a common self-soothing behavior. It helps us calm down, as the sensory signals sent from the face to the brainstem have a calming effect. Breaking such habits can be challenging, but it’s crucial in curbing the spread of diseases like Covid.
To reduce the risk of contagion or disease transmission, experts recommend minimizing face-touching and replacing the habit with less risky behaviors like rubbing hands together or fiddling with a piece of jewelry. Frequent handwashing or using hand sanitizer is also highly recommended, especially during cold and flu seasons, to keep hands clean and reduce the chances of infection.