Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?

Infectious potential

Good evening, doctor.
I would like to ask you a few questions.
A while ago, an old friend of mine called me.
He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Japan around May.
He wasn't hospitalized and experienced difficulty breathing and a persistent fever, which eventually turned into a low-grade fever that improved over time.
However, my grandmother overheard me talking to him on the phone and scolded me for potentially getting infected.
I would like to ask, is it possible for infectious diseases to be transmitted over the phone? This question is for my grandmother and sister.
My classmate was discussing how he might have contracted the virus, as he had minimal contact with others and always wore a mask.
The only thing he could think of was that he didn't disinfect his house keys, credit cards, or phone.
After hearing this, I became a bit worried because when I talk on the phone, I usually hold my phone in my hand and use the speakerphone.
I wonder if I could accidentally inhale the virus while talking, even though I don't directly bite my phone.
After hearing this, I suddenly felt a slight itch in my throat.
My dad said it might be a psychological effect, as it's unlikely to have an immediate reaction.
That makes sense, but when I discussed this with my family, my sister suddenly said, "Who told you to talk to someone who had the disease?" I want to ask the doctor if such a possibility exists in Taiwan right now.
If it is possible, should I disinfect everything when I get home?
Additionally, I would like to ask the doctor, if foreign travelers are allowed to return in the future, what should I be particularly cautious about if I meet someone like my friend, who was never hospitalized and hasn't been retested for a negative result in Taiwan? He is asymptomatic now and has started working occasionally while staying at home.
It seems that the current policy there involves staggered work shifts.
If I meet him later, should I take special precautions, or is the virus no longer transmissible? However, I feel that he won't be returning in the short term since he doesn't have Taiwanese nationality.
Thank you for your answers!

Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/09

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello,
1.
You cannot get infected while talking on the phone, so please rest assured.

2.
COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact transmission; however, since the virus is invisible to the naked eye, people often get infected without knowing the source of the infection.

3.
To prevent COVID-19, the most important measures are wearing masks and practicing hand hygiene.
As for disinfecting items, it is recommended to disinfect those that have been touched by others.

4.
Regarding your friend, if several months have passed, they should no longer be contagious.
If you are concerned, you can wear masks when meeting and avoid physical contact.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2020/08/09

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding the transmission risks of COVID-19, especially in the context of talking on the phone with someone who has previously tested positive. Let’s address your concerns step by step.

First and foremost, it is important to clarify that COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. The virus can also spread through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus, followed by touching the face, especially the mouth, nose, or eyes. However, the idea of transmitting the virus over the phone is not supported by current scientific understanding. When you talk on the phone, the sound waves do not carry the virus; therefore, you cannot catch COVID-19 simply by speaking with someone over the phone, regardless of their health status.

Your concern about touching your phone and potentially transferring the virus to yourself is more valid. If your friend had the virus on their hands or if they touched a surface that was contaminated and then touched their phone, there is a possibility that the virus could be on the phone. If you then touched your phone and subsequently your face without washing your hands, there could be a risk of transmission. However, this is not a direct transmission through the phone itself but rather through contaminated surfaces. To mitigate this risk, it is advisable to regularly disinfect your phone and practice good hand hygiene, especially after being in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.

Regarding your friend who had COVID-19 and is now asymptomatic, it is generally understood that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and are no longer showing symptoms are less likely to be contagious. However, the duration of contagiousness can vary, and it is essential to follow local health guidelines. If your friend has been symptom-free for a significant period and has not been advised to isolate further, the risk of transmission during a face-to-face meeting is likely low. Nevertheless, it is always prudent to take precautions such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distance, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces.

As for your concerns about returning home and disinfecting items, it is a good practice to clean frequently touched surfaces and items, especially if they have been in contact with others. This includes your phone, keys, and any other personal items. Regular handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is also crucial in preventing the spread of the virus.

In summary, you cannot catch COVID-19 over the phone. However, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as disinfecting your phone and washing your hands, is essential to minimize any risk of transmission from surfaces. If you are ever in doubt about your health or potential exposure, consulting with a healthcare professional is always a wise decision. Stay safe, and thank you for your thoughtful questions!

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