Handling of coins (H1N1 Virus)

ASUtodd

Just a reminder to wash your hands after handling coins from other peoples collections, at the shops, and at shows. My wife currently has the H1N1 and while at the doctor's office I was talking to the doctor about coin collecting (he is a big coin collector here in the area). He was telling me that a lot of Bank Tellers and Coin collector's have recently been coming through his doors with the virus. He reminded me to make sure I was sanitizing my hands in some way after handling money and other peoples collections or at shops. Just thought I would pass on a friendly reminder. My wife is REALLY sick and I would hate for any of you guys to get this. Be safe and stay WELL!!
Todd

OchoReales

Smart advice, Todd! This is something we tend to take for granted, especially with UNC coinage!

wybrit

I caught something nasty over the summer right after attending a show and handling a bunch of 2x2s. This stuff will happen.

koincollect

I was wondering about this too! Thanks for the advice and wishing a speedy recovery for your wife.

Hyperion

I think money, H1N1 aside, is one of the dirtiest things you'll ever handle day to day. Handwashing and normal sane precautions will go a long way to keeping you safe. That, and staying out of the Mall once winter rolls around

mudskippie

I love the "old" days; we used silver coinage which has the ability to neutralize germs. I wonder if H1N1 can survive on a silver coin?

FilthyBroke

<< <i>I love the "old" days; we used silver coinage which has the ability to neutralize germs. >>





Did it? ...and all that wasted time I was worrying about catching the Black Death from my hammered coins.

mudskippie

<< <i>

<< <i>I love the "old" days; we used silver coinage which has the ability to neutralize germs. >>





Did it? ...and all that wasted time I was worrying about catching the Black Death from my hammered coins. >>



I got that from Wikipedia, here is the whole paragraph:
"Silver is widely used in topical gels and impregnated into bandages because of its wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The anti-microbial properties of silver stem from the chemical properties of its ionized form, Ag+. This ion forms strong molecular bonds with other substances used by bacteria to respire, such as molecules containing sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen.[31] When the Ag+ ion forms a complex with these molecules, they are rendered unusable by the bacteria, depriving them of necessary compounds and eventually leading to the bacteria's death."

FilthyBroke

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>I love the "old" days; we used silver coinage which has the ability to neutralize germs. >>





Did it? ...and all that wasted time I was worrying about catching the Black Death from my hammered coins. >>



I got that from Wikipedia, here is the whole paragraph:
"Silver is widely used in topical gels and impregnated into bandages because of its wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The anti-microbial properties of silver stem from the chemical properties of its ionized form, Ag+. This ion forms strong molecular bonds with other substances used by bacteria to respire, such as molecules containing sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen.[31] When the Ag+ ion forms a complex with these molecules, they are rendered unusable by the bacteria, depriving them of necessary compounds and eventually leading to the bacteria's death." >>



You know, I heard that about copper, too. That it helps to cleanse the water as it flows through pipes, etc. (not to sidetrack the tread, sorry)

adamlaneus

The internet is full of bad information on silver and health. In my opinion.

I, for one, do not believe that the evidence shows that Silver is effective against Viruses. Viruses do not respire; they do not have a metabolism in the first place. Viruses are also 'attached' to something like a spec of dust. They are often protected by a small coating of dried mucus.

Best way to keep safe is to

1) Wash your hands. This is the Nuclear Weapon for viruses and bacteria. Soap and water. No, you do not need special soap. Just a thorough, physical lathering. That rips everything up good at a microscopic level.

2) Don't touch your face. That's the most likely route of infection. Consciously keep your hands away from your face (if you can...)

MacCrimmon

So, this guy should be able to lick the dinner plates clean from an H1N1 ward with no ill effects....right?

Muygrandeoso

Hoping that your wife feels better soon!