How to Avoid Getting Sick from Public Touchscreens

ATM. Self-checkout. Airport kiosk. Fast food tablet. Public touchscreens are everywhere, and they’re touched by hundreds of fingers a day. Some of those fingers have been in places. If you’ve ever tapped a greasy screen and suddenly remembered cold season exists, you’re not wrong to be cautious.

Yes, You Can Catch Germs from Touchscreens 🦠

Studies have found bacteria like E. coli, Staph, and even fecal matter on public touchscreens. Unlike bathrooms, these surfaces aren’t cleaned regularly. Some are wiped once a day. Others? Maybe once a week. And with constant human contact, they turn into germ hotels.

High-Risk Touchscreen Spots

  • ATM machines

  • Fast food ordering kiosks

  • Grocery self-checkouts

  • Airline ticketing and check-in screens

  • Gas station payment screens

  • Hospital or pharmacy tablets

  • Interactive maps and info booths

Anywhere people use it quickly and repeatedly without cleaning their hands is a risk.

How to Protect Yourself Without Being “That Person” 🧤

You don’t need to carry a hazmat suit. Just be smart.

1. Use a Knuckle, Not a Finger

Your fingertips are the easiest place for bacteria to transfer into your eyes, nose, or mouth. Using a knuckle reduces that risk and still works on almost every touchscreen.

2. Keep a Stylus in Your Bag or Pocket

A cheap plastic stylus works on most public tablets and screens. Use it, then sanitize it when you get home. Bonus: You avoid smudging your screen with your own fingerprints too.

3. Don’t Touch Your Face After Using One

This is the big one. Even if you don’t sanitize immediately, avoid rubbing your eyes, scratching your nose, or eating with your hands until you’ve cleaned up.

4. Use Hand Sanitizer or Wipes Right After

Sanitize your hands as soon as you’re done. Wipes are better for visibly dirty screens, but gel works fine for fast jobs.

5. Limit Use During Cold and Flu Season

Whenever possible, use contactless check-in or mobile apps instead. The less you touch shared surfaces during viral outbreaks, the better.

What Not to Do ❌

  • Don’t wipe the screen with your sleeve

  • Don’t assume it was just cleaned

  • Don’t let kids tap all over it and then eat fries

  • Don’t sanitize your hands and then keep touching everything else in line

Touch Less. Worry Less.

Public touchscreens aren’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you have to get sick every time you use one. A little awareness goes a long way. Protect your hands, use your knuckle, and sanitize right after. It’s low effort, high reward, and your immune system will thank you.

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