Nose-picking health workers more likely to catch COVID: Study

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If you happen to pick your nose, here’s another reason why you should stop.

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A new study found that nose-pickers have a greater chance of catching COVID-19.

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Habits such as nose-picking and nail-biting in environments with high levels of a circulating virus or viruses expedite the viral transfer to the nasal or oral mucosa (or the inside of the mouth, including lips and cheeks) and transfer germs to the mucosa inside the nose, the researchers found.

The majority (85%) of participants admitted they unconsciously picked their nose with more men and younger people doing the picking.

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The study found that doctors were the highest among medical staffers who reported picking their noses followed by support staff, then nurses.

The researchers said that they did not find a link between contracting SARS-CoV-2 with nail-biting or those who grew a beard or wore glasses.

The study authors also pointed out that nose-picking has not previously been reported as a risk factor for contracting COVID.

“Our findings highlight the importance of the nasal cavity as a main transit port for SARS-CoV-2,” the study noted.

“Nose-picking may facilitate viral entry by directly introducing virus particles present on the hands to the nose, thus facilitating infection.”