Stomach viruses tend to circulate widely this time of year, and health officials in California, particularly in Los Angeles, are noting an increase in norovirus cases.
These viruses can be surprisingly easy to spread. In fact, how you manage your laundry could actually contribute to this transmission.
Recent wastewater analysis indicates that a new, highly contagious subvariant known as GII.17 may be fueling the rise in cases.
The virus spreads through the fecal-oral route, which most people associate with contaminated food. However, it’s also worth considering that your laundry might play a role.
Dr. Ali Jamehdor, an Emergency Medicine specialist at Dignity Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Long Beach, advises, “If you’re unwell with diarrhea or any gastrointestinal issue, it’s best to keep those clothes separate from anyone else’s in the house.”
It’s common for people to let their clothes sit in the hamper for long periods, sometimes weeks. Bacteria that can cause diarrhea, like E. coli and salmonella, can survive in laundry bins for that duration.
“Things are happening in the hamper. They love growing,” Dr. Jamehdor pointed out, highlighting the ability of bacteria and viruses to multiply in those environments.
Moreover, Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium linked to skin infections, can live in a damp hamper for up to a month. After washing a particularly contaminated load, he suggests a quick wash cycle with bleach.
Experts indicate that underwear holds the most germs, closely followed by children’s clothing.
Dr. Jamehdor also recommends that parents do their kids’ laundry separately. And what about handwashing after loading the laundry?
Craig Stone from Burbank admitted, “Honestly, I don’t think I do that regularly. Maybe occasionally, but it’s not a habit.”
Dr. Jamehdor reminds us, “You really need to be mindful of washing your hands. It’s like dealing with anything dirty.”
Some experts recommend using the highest heat cycle for drying clothes for at least 40 minutes.
That said, Dr. Jamehdor is skeptical that any dryer can reach temperatures sufficient to eliminate all germs.
The key is ensuring that clothes don’t remain damp; they should be thoroughly dried.
“You know you’ve left something wet when it smells of mildew or has an odd odor,” he explained, noting that this could mean a second wash is necessary.
Additionally, make sure to sanitize or clean your hamper, especially if it’s made of fabric.
