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A member asked:
For reference, can you contract a disease by inanimate objects such as a wind chime that touch your lips? please help.
4 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
It's possible: Hi. Some viruses and bacteria can live on fomites or objects for certain periods of time. Usually minutes to hours, and then they die. As far as contracting a serious disease in this way, it is highly unlikely, but not impossible. If you begin to notice any unusual symptoms, see your regular doctor for a more detailed evaluation.
Answered 5/19/2017
3.8k views
If the inanimate: object is organic or there is organic material that contains infectious material in an inorganic inanimate object then yes it is possible. However, generally a dry, inorganic, inanimate object can't support organic life forms for more than a very short (seconds) time frame. An exception to this are sporulating bacteria. Best to avoid sucking on your wind chime
Answered 9/29/2016
3.8k views
No: Metal doesn't carry illness on casual contact. Allergies require prolonged contact. Discuss your worries about swallowing with your physician.
Answered 9/29/2016
3.8k views
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