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What Are The Chances Of Transmitting Infections To Others Through Door Handles?

Posted on Mon, 13 Jul 2015

Question: I used the same rectangular metal door handle on a restaurant several times looking for a dropped object. I later realized I had been handling, in my pockets, an appointment card from a doctor's office I visited earlier in the day and a plastic holder for a car registration that spent some time in the back pocket of jeans in a hamper in a basement washroom. My question is this: can I have transferred something harmful to the handle, especially considering this is a restaurant? Do I need to let someone know? I am ignorant about how bacteria can be spread and am very worried.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

As long as you do not have an active infection in your hands you need not worry about someone else handling the door. Besides most people wash their hands before they eat and this kills most of the harmful bacteria.

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (56 minutes later)

There's definitely nothing of that sort on my hands, and I used hand sanitizer before leaving the doctor's office/hospital earlier. I'm pretty sure nobody washes their hands before eating if they eat at a Subway restaurant, however - is there a problem there? And can anything still be on the door? The restaurant has closed for the day but I'm worried about something surviving there for opening tomorrow.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

If you have no active infection on your hands then rest assured no one will get harmed by you. No need to worry about risk of transmission of any disease

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (7 hours later)

There is no likelihood of such an infection having been on the appointment card or vehicle registration?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Bacteria and viruses need a substance to grow so cards and registration will most often not have harmful bacteria.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar