Hospital Pillows may Harbor Dangerous Infections

A new study conducted by The Barts and The London NHS Trust has found that hospital pillows are breeding grounds for a number of infections including chicken pox and leprosy. Researchers led by Dr Arthur Tucker analyzed hundreds of pillows in hospitals run by Barts and London NHS Trusts and found over 30 different types of infections ranging from flu to leprosy.

The researchers said that while the linen and bedding are regularly cleaned in hospitals, they found that a large percentage of pillows remain unclean.

The researchers added that the patients are at a risk of getting infected when pressure is applied to the pillows, for example when a patient lies down. The study, which was funded by Sleep Angel, also found that the new pillows manufactured by the organization were least likely to be infected.

Source-Medindia