The Claim: Playing a Wind Instrument Causes Respiratory Inf

[dizifun]

The Claim: Playing a Wind Instrument Causes Respiratory Infection (The New York Times)



Do you clean the mouthpiece ?   How and when do you clean it ?



www.nytimes.com/2011/05/24/health/24really.html


In a study published this month in The International Journal of Environmental Health Research, Tufts University scientists tested 20 instruments — flutes, clarinets, trumpets and saxophones. All were found to harbor living bacteria, mold and yeast, some of which survived for several days when cultured. Wooden reeds and mouthpieces had the most contamination.


THE BOTTOM LINE: Certain instruments can raise the risk of infections if not routinely cleaned.

[sanmenxia]

There's mould, bateria, yeast everywhere!

Yes, keep it clean and dry, that's why after I've finished playing (my sheng), I don't put it in an enclosed area but leave it to dry out.

[dawei]

I clean my flutes and reed instruments fairly often....including when I first get them.

Probably not often enough, though, from the sound of that article.

[dizifun]

I am going to keep it clean, and dry. I don't put it in an enclosed area either.
I am also going to clean the mouthpiece with alcohol very often.

[mel]

Wow!

I only really clean mine if I notice spit (usually from playing higher notes on smaller dizis when you're blowing with more force). I use a rolled up paper towel since I don't have anything specialized.

Otherwise, California is fairly dry so I don't worry much. But good to watch out for breathing problems and see if disinfecting the instrument fixes it!