Question

Which of the following daily used items can act as fomites?
A. Cups and dishes
B. Bed
C. Medical instruments
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Our lifestyles revolve around the utilization of inanimate objects. These objects could be as simple as a table and chair for studying to as complex as a stethoscope used for listening to the heartbeat and breathing.

Complete answer:Inanimate objects that have the ability to transfer diseases from infected hosts to a healthy person are called fomites. Inanimate objects could be infected by pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Diseases or infections that could spread through fomites include common cold, influenza, diarrhea, lice infestation, dandruff, cold sores, conjunctivitis, meningitis and strep infection.
Common fomites include hospital beddings, used syringes, stethoscopes, catheters, IV drip tubes, skin cells, clothes of an infected person; cups, spoons, doorknobs, light switches, pens, touch screen electronics, bath faucet handles, light switches, countertops, keyboards and many other inanimate objects could act like a fomite. To prevent the spread of diseases or infections from fomites, one must properly disinfect them and properly sanitize them. Individuals must take proper precautions after being in a public environment and must wash their hands thoroughly. Medical instruments are either discarded properly in closed containers or are sterilized thoroughly. Sterilization, disinfection ensures the prevention and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. The fomites are any inanimate objects that have the ability to transfer infectious microorganisms from an infected person to a healthy person.
-Cups and dishes: When a person falls ill, it is advised by the physician, to not use the same utensils as the infected person as there is a high chance of the healthy individual contracting the infection.
-Bed: Beds used by a patient suffering from a contagious disease are usually disposed of properly so that other healthy individuals do not come in contact with the infections. In hospital settings, every patient is given separate bedding to reduce the chance of contamination.
-Medical instruments: These are used in hospital settings and have a high risk of transferring infections.
Therefore, the correct option is D. All of the above.

Note: Indian officials had announced a necessary lockdown earlier this year in March to stop the spread of the Covid-19 virus. This virus is contagious and very lethal to individuals of all age groups, especially the ones with compromised immunity. The virus spreads from an infected person to a healthy person through fomites. The entire world is still trying to cope with the effects of this pandemic.