It is a widely known fact that dirty hands can transfer germs, and hence serious illnesses too, to people. However, recent researches have revealed that using mobile phones with dirty hands can cause them to be a "breeding ground for bugs", according to a report in Herald Scotland.

Many people have the habit of using mobile phones when in the privy. Some have also admitted to not using a soap or a handwash after coming out. As such, mobile phones have been found to carry bacteria that can cause grave illnesses.

The report states that every year about 10,000 people are infected by Clostridium difficile in Scotland; the major cause of this being unclean hands. This bacteria causes diarrhea and other intestinal diseases. Germs spreading due to unwashed hands is a common cause for colds, flu and other stomach infections as well. About 750 people across the UK are said to die from diseases caused due to unhygienic hands.

Several people around the world have lost their lives due to the recent epidemic - the swine flu. Doctors have advised people to wash their hands regularly, especially before meals, with soap/handwash, to help prevent the spreading of the disease.

Special care has to be taken in households with kids. The curious little things that they are, they'd love to use and sometimes even taste your mobile phones and other things.

The bottom line therefore is to keep your hands clean. Wash it with soap or handwash before meals. Also do so, after using the toilet.

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