A question for all the EDUCATED PEOPLE...(RN??)?

[Don't be judgemental.]

Alright, how long can a bacteria/virus last on something?

So my friend gave me a bag of safety pins since I asked for some. They looked all dirty and rusty. I accidently dropped 2 in the washing machine/dryer and I didn't know that they were there until I was folding my clothes. The problem is, the load i was washing was all my underwear pretty much and a couple Tshirts.

The pins came out VERY CLEAN! But, I am afraid that I might get something like from the safety pin...I know it went through the washer/dryer...But I'm a little paranoid.

Anyone know how long bacterias/viruses can live on things like this, and after being washed/dried...would it still hold the disease/virus to pass it on to me?

Thank you in advance.

 

[Kristen B]

You will be fine. The only way a safety pin would have enough germs on it is if you stuck yourself with it. Even then, it's not likely.
By the way, bacteria/viruses are on everything, all the time. Each individual bug can live from seconds to weeks. The body has an excellent system for preventing infections, so you shouldn't worry about things so much. You just don't want to come in contact (with your mouth or in your blood) with things with heavy amounts of bacteria, such as poop, infected blood, etc.