Is it true that you cannot get an infection from touching a door knob or other hard surface?

Infection can indeed be transmitted through contact with door knobs and other hard surfaces. This is primarily due to the presence of various pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, that can survive on such surfaces for varying lengths of time. When a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their face, mouth, or any open wound, there is a potential risk of infection.

High-touch areas, like door knobs, frequently harbor germs which can lead to respiratory infections, gastrointestinal illnesses, and other communicable diseases. Common practices such as handwashing and using hand sanitizer can significantly reduce the risk of pathogen transmission after contact with these surfaces. Furthermore, the capacity of different pathogens to survive can vary depending on the type of surface and environmental conditions, but generally, it is prudent to consider any high-touch surface a potential source of infection.

This understanding underscores the importance of maintaining cleanliness and practicing good hygiene to minimize the risk of infections in everyday environments.