from European Respiratory Journal
The bacteria that causes pneumonia is known to be spread by inhalation of airborne droplets containing the bacteria, such as from coughs or sneezes. Turns out, picking your nose is also a bad idea. British researchers are the first to show pneumonia-causing bacteria can be spread between hands and nose. Even rubbing your nose after your hands exposure to the pneumococcus bacteria may spread the disease. Results of the study in the European Respiratory Journal suggest good hand-washing techniques and keeping toys clean could help protect young children from catching and spreading the bacteria to other children—and their elderly relatives who may be more susceptible to infection.