Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:10 UTC
Experts say that all the antibacterial wipes and physical distancing could have long-term impacts on our microbiomes. As people around the world remain isolated in their homes, avoiding close contact with others and meticulously sanitizing their hands and surfaces, scientists warn there may be unintended consequences of these necessary pandemic protocols.
While it's important to follow public health orders to reduce spread of COVID-19,
experts say that all the antibacterial wipes and physical distancing could have long-term impacts on our microbiomes — the collection of microbes that live on and inside our bodies.
When we hug someone, travel to another country or get our hands dirty, we acquire new microbes, said Brett Finlay, a University of British Columbia microbiologist.