Many of us have been there: coming home after a long day out, still wearing the same clothes we had on outside, and plopping down on the sofa or bed — only to feel a slight twinge of unease.
For the general population, the likelihood of contracting an infectious disease from daily clothing is very low.Although clothing can theoretically act as an intermediary in disease transmission, its actual role is limited and the overall risk remains small.
Simply coming into contact with a small number of pathogens is usually not enough to cause illness — a certain threshold must be reached.
Most pathogens don't survive long on fabrics.One study showed that viruses became inactive relatively quickly on cotton — with up to 80% of infectious viral particles disappearing after a typical commute.
Clothing fibers also tend to trap viruses and bacteria, reducing transfer to skin or surfaces.
Inhaling droplets from a cough or sneeze poses a much higher risk than indirect exposure through clothing.Studies have shown that airborne exposure from particles shaken off clothing is hundreds of times lower than direct exposure in a shared space — essentially negligible.
Unlike regular clothing, doctors' white coats are known carriers of pathogens.
Studies show that medical coats often harbor MRSA, VRE, and other pathogens.Research on nurses' uniforms found that about 50 percent were contaminated with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli.
Certain occupations also carry higher risks of contamination.For example, waste collectors' uniforms can be extremely contaminated.
If a household member is immunocompromised, changing outdoor clothes can help prevent opportunistic infections.
If clothing is soiled by bodily fluids or vomit, it should be changed and washed immediately.People with open wounds or burns should take extra care.
While clothing itself poses little infection risk, allergens like pollen can hitch a ride indoors.
No matter the source of pathogens, proper hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to block transmission.
