Keep your smartphone germ-free this cold and flu season
The average smartphone has 10 times more bacteria on it than most toilet seats according to Charles Gerba, a University of Arizona microbiologist. Bacteria can linger on a device and has the potential to make users ill, especially when sharing electronics with someone else that has recently been sick. That’s why it’s critical to keep cellphones clean, especially during peak cold and flu season.
“It’s important to regularly clean and disinfect smartphones and tablets to protect our health,” said Erryn Andersen, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in the northwest. “Now that cold and flu season is upon us, take every precaution to stay healthier and avoid the germs that can cause illnesses. Keeping devices clean is a smart practice that can go a long way in preventing unpleasant – and even dangerous – symptoms.”
U.S. Cellular reminds mobile users to wipe before they swipe and offers the following tips to disinfect Apple and Android devices:
⦁ Wash your hands. Studies show that germs travel easily from hands to devices. Clean hands transmit fewer germs onto smartphones and other surfaces, so wash hands regularly and thoroughly.
⦁ Disinfect devices and cases regularly. Use a disinfectant wipe that does not contain bleach and wring the wipe out several times before use to minimize moisture on and near the device. After using the disinfectant wipe, follow up with a microfiber cloth. Or you can use specialized cleaners made for electronics, such as ⦁ Gadget Guard Greener Cleaner. This should be done routinely, especially if other people have handled them or if anyone in the family has been sick.
⦁ Try antibiotic putty. The most stubborn areas to clean are the device’s headphone jack, charging port, speaker and microphone openings. Don’t use a toothpick or Q-tip to clean these small spaces, since they can damage circuitry and/or leave behind cotton fibers. Instead, use antibiotic putty designed specifically for electronics, such as ⦁ Cyber Clean.
⦁ Don’t use devices in the bathroom. In a survey from ⦁ Inc.com, 61 percent of people admitted to using their phone while in the restroom. The habit of “toilet texting” can cause users to become ill, as germs from the bathroom can wind up on the phone.
About U.S. Cellular
U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier offers coverage where the other carriers don’t and a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. For the third time in a row, U.S. Cellular has the Highest Wireless Network Quality Performance, according to J.D. Power’s twice-annual U.S. Wireless Network Quality Performance Study, and 99 percent of customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. To learn more about U.S. Cellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, promos and videos, connect with U.S. Cellular on Facebook.com/uscellular, Twitter.com/uscellular and YouTube.com/uscellularcorp.
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For more information, contact:
Katie Winger Katie Frey
Public Relations Counsel Media Relations, U.S. Cellular
Office: 503-552-5011 Office: 773-355-3275
kwinger@gardcommunications.com katie.frey@uscellular.com
