According to Best Life, using a water cup continuously for a week without washing it can make the body more susceptible to norovirus and have serious health implications.
Best Life reports that many people often have the habit of placing a cup of water next to their bed, filling it each night to drink from it without regularly washing the cup. A more common scenario is using a favorite cup for several consecutive days without bothering to clean it. Doctors believe this practice can lead to an unpleasant illness.
“Norovirus, a highly contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, can survive for a week or longer in an unwashed cup,” said Dr. Dung Trinh, founder of Healthy Brain Clinic.
Everyone needs to drink at least 2 liters of water a day. (Photo: Shutterstock).
Common Habits
Undeniably, drinking plenty of water is beneficial for everyone’s body. Recent research has indicated that the habit of drinking water is associated with a longer life and fewer chronic diseases. A day without water can lead to dizziness, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Best Life emphasizes that it is important to be cautious about how we drink water. Everyone should ensure they do not come into contact with harmful bacteria to reduce the risk of illness from drinking from dirty cups.
“Reusing a cup without washing it is common in many households. Sometimes, we simply refill the cup without considering the hygiene concerns,” said Dr. Devin Stone, founder of bioReigns.
Clearly, using a cup to drink water without washing it is a common story in many places. This harmful habit can make people more susceptible to illnesses and significantly affect health.
Drinking dirty water increases the risk of norovirus infection. (Photo: Medical News Today).
The Dangers of Not Washing Your Water Cup Regularly
“If you use a cup for a week without washing it, bacteria will start to grow on the surface of the cup. You must wash your cup regularly with soap and water to prevent this buildup, not just with regular water,” said Dr. Peter Michael, Medical Director of VUE.
Dr. Dung Trinh agrees that simply pouring out old water and refilling it does not protect the body from bacteria.
“Even if you fill the same cup with fresh water, any bacteria present will multiply rapidly and become dangerous,” Dr. Dung Trinh stated.
Dr. Stone noted that norovirus is just one of the unpleasant viruses that can survive on an unwashed water cup. Over time, these bacteria will form a population known as “biofilm.”
“If you do not scrub your drinking glasses, bacteria will reside there and multiply. This makes us more exposed to unwanted bacteria,” Mr. Stone emphasized.
According to the three doctors, even if you wash your cup regularly, leaving water stagnant can still cause many problems. Mr. Trinh explained that a cup left outdoors can come into contact with bacteria from the air, dirt, or other sources. Therefore, everyone should keep a covered water bottle on their bedside.
“Bacteria can also grow in water if it is not changed regularly, even after just a few days. So, do not leave an uncovered cup of water next to your bed,” Mr. Stone warned.
