I not too long ago had COVID, and although I had a light case, I used to be fairly sick (you possibly can learn extra about my expertise right here). After I recovered, I had some urgent questions like: "How precisely ought to I disinfect my home?," "Will I ever be capable to stroll up my stairs once more with out feeling utterly winded?" and "Ought to I throw away my toothbrush?"

Associated: Will Everybody Ultimately Get COVID-19?

The final query stumped me essentially the most, as a result of I usually at all times toss my toothbrush after a bout of illness. However since COVID-19 is a more moderen (and seemingly always-evolving) virus, I puzzled if the toothbrush-tossing steering was any completely different. I requested Bertha Hidalgo, Ph.D., M.P.H., an affiliate professor of epidemiology on the College of Alabama at Birmingham, to weigh in.

Hidalgo says, "The SARS-CoV-2 virus [which causes COVID-19], together with the omicron variant, isn’t very secure on surfaces. Nevertheless, it’s at all times a good suggestion to alter toothbrushes or toothbrush heads after sickness." The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention provides that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive for as much as three days on frequent nonporous surfaces. So when you've recovered (or after about 10 days because you examined constructive), it's value swapping out your toothbrush for a brand new one—particularly should you share a toothbrush holder with one other individual. 

In case you want just a little extra motivation to choose up a brand new toothbrush or swap out your toothbrush head, the American Dental Affiliation recommends changing yours each three to 4 months (which most People should not doing usually sufficient). Have to restock? These 5 alternative toothbrushes and toothbrush heads all get a seal of acceptance from the ADA.

Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 Rechargeable Electrical Energy Toothbrush Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100 Rechargeable Electrical Energy Toothbrush $49.00($69.99 save 30%) store it Amazon ARM & HAMMER Spinbrush PRO+ Deep Clear REFILLS ARM & HAMMER Spinbrush PRO+ Deep Clear Refills $8.97($10.99 save 18%) store it Amazon PRO-SYS® Delicate Toothbrush for Grownup with Delicate Tooth & Gums PRO-SYS® Delicate Toothbrush for Grownup with Delicate Tooth & Gums store it Amazon quip Grownup Electrical Toothbrush Quip Grownup Electrical Toothbrush $24.99 store it Amazon REACH Superior Design Toothbrushes REACH Superior Design Toothbrushes $7.99 store it Amazon

The scenario surrounding COVID-19 continues to alter shortly; it's doable that data or information has modified since publication. Whereas EatingWell is making an attempt to maintain our tales as up-to-date as doable, we additionally encourage readers to remain knowledgeable on information and suggestions through the use of the CDC, WHO and their native public well being division as sources.