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Could Christmas cards spread the virus?

(106 Posts)
Rosieroe Wed 25-Nov-20 17:58:28

Most people stick envelopes by dampening the glue with a lick.

Am I wrong in being concerned that all that saliva on thousands of Christmas card envelopes is potentially hazardous, not just to postal workers but to every recipient?

I hope someone with better knowledge in these matters can reassure me that I’m worrying unnecessarily. ?

harrigran Thu 26-Nov-20 08:45:42

We leave paper and card 24 hours, plastic 72 hours and try to avoid hard metal surfaces which can retain the virus for five days. Even after the time lapse hands are thoroughly washed with soap and water after handling.
Most people will think this is excessive but when you have serious health issues who wants to play Russian roulette ?

Shrub Thu 26-Nov-20 08:38:10

Agree with BlueBelle. I gave up worrying about the post being contaminated months ago.

BlueBelle Thu 26-Nov-20 08:12:00

Another scaremongering thread
No of course not JUST WASH YER HANDS if in doubt

Jaxjacky Thu 26-Nov-20 07:08:52

Another open immediately and wash hands here.

Pantglas2 Thu 26-Nov-20 07:00:52

I’ve opened all mail on receipt and either filed or binned the content then washed my hands - let’s not make a drama out of a crisis ?

Calendargirl Thu 26-Nov-20 06:47:56

Never given it a thought, certainly not worried about it.

Lucca Wed 25-Nov-20 22:52:34

Hetty58

Like all other post or paper bags/packaging, I'd handle with gloves then leave them untouched in the hall for at least four days - just to be on the safe side.

Goodness! I’m afraid I’ve just been opening post as and when I get round to it and honestly not hand washing .

Hetty58 Wed 25-Nov-20 22:32:36

Like all other post or paper bags/packaging, I'd handle with gloves then leave them untouched in the hall for at least four days - just to be on the safe side.

Callistemon Wed 25-Nov-20 22:25:12

I never lick an envelope.

Keep a small dish of water beside you or a piece of sponge in a dish of water and use a damp finger,

Floradora9 Wed 25-Nov-20 21:41:11

I read that they could . All the more reason not to send any .

M0nica Wed 25-Nov-20 21:04:39

The letters will take at least 24 hours and probably longer to reach you.

Anyway the amount of live active virus you would find on an envelope after even 1 day, is far too low to give you the disease. You need the fully viral load of aerosol spray breathed over some time, a minute or so, to be in danger of catching the disease.

I open my mail as soon as it arrives.

Alegrias2 Wed 25-Nov-20 20:53:15

Good advice Urmstongran!

Missfoodlove Wed 25-Nov-20 20:49:31

Our post is taking so long to arrive I doubt the germs will be long gone!

petra Wed 25-Nov-20 19:50:28

Urmstongran simples Most solutions usually are, aren't they? ?

Iam64 Wed 25-Nov-20 19:44:41

Urmston yes, it's simples handwash after touching anything outside, or that comes into the house. Cardboard, letters etc. Handwashing with soap.

Septimia Wed 25-Nov-20 19:20:34

Exactly what I do Urmstongran.

Urmstongran Wed 25-Nov-20 19:17:31

Open your post and wash your hands. Simples.

Lollin Wed 25-Nov-20 18:50:15

Our post takes about five days to reach us for some months now but i agree if it worries you leave it for three days before handling.

25Avalon Wed 25-Nov-20 18:38:36

I don’t open any post for several days and then I wash my hands straightaway.

Tangerine Wed 25-Nov-20 18:36:22

I use a letter opener so won't really be near where someone may have licked.

I follow all the rules but I am not going to worry about danger from Christmas cards.

suziewoozie Wed 25-Nov-20 18:21:25

Nortsat

Just leave your post unopened for three days and if there were any residues of virus, they will have gone.

Best advice of you’re worried - I think once something like this crosses your mind, then follow your gut feeling. It does not hurt anyone or cause problems, it’s not selfish.

Nortsat Wed 25-Nov-20 18:12:53

Just leave your post unopened for three days and if there were any residues of virus, they will have gone.

Iam64 Wed 25-Nov-20 18:10:59

no

Mapleleaf Wed 25-Nov-20 18:09:05

Sorry I miss read - you meant the envelopes. No I don’t think you need to worry, but if in doubt dampen them with a sponge or just tuck the leaf of the envelope into the main body.

Bellanonna Wed 25-Nov-20 18:08:23

You can tuck the flap in or you can dampen your finer in water. Most people slit across the top of the envelope anyway,