The continued threat of COVID-19, better known as the coronavirus, has people taking proactive actions to help reduce the risk of catching the virus. Coronavirus is a respiratory virus with flu-like symptoms that continues to devastate many areas of the world – over a year since the initial onset. While vaccinations and fewer cases paint a positive picture, people are still taking precautions to sanitize themselves and their belongings. One area in particular that is prone to germs is currency. So: can you get coronavirus from cash and credit cards?
Can You Catch Coronavirus from Touching Money?
Because complete COVID-19 vaccinations are months away, the fears of contracting the virus from money are still very real. So, can you catch the coronavirus from handling money?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus is transferable from contact with a solid object or contaminated surfaces. Because of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) originally advised against handling money. This advice, however, was reversed shortly thereafter.
A variety of surfaces can transfer bacteria and viruses. A study found that it’s likely that your cell phone carries up to ten times the number of bacteria than most toilet seats. Similarly, cash like dollar bills is notorious for having a lot of bugs living on them.
We handle many of these items multiple times a day, often without realizing what we’re touching. Holding money from someone who is sick will not make you ill necessarily. However, it still presents a chance for any viruses to spread.
For those who handle cash regularly, there is some good news when it comes to the coronavirus. Money with a porous surface like a dollar bill is not an excellent vehicle for the transportation of respiratory viruses. Instead, viruses tend to survive for more extended periods on hard surfaces like credit cards and coins. It seems that sterilization of bills (which occurred in both China and South Korea in early 2020) is unnecessary.
Still, the best course of action when handling money is to wash your hands regularly – especially after handling money (including bills and change). You never know when the person holding your money at the store either has the coronavirus or has been exposed to it.
How Does Money Affect Coronavirus Transmission?
How does money impact the transmission of coronavirus, exactly? In an interview, one medical expert laid out the facts on whether people can contract coronavirus from money:
“Getting coronavirus, or other respiratory viruses like influenza, on your hands only leads to infection when it is transferred from your hand to places like your mouth, nose, or eyes,” says Michael Knight, assistant professor of medicine at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He states that consumers are “still susceptible to potential infection” if they fail to wash their hands – even when using contactless payments.