Vuvuzelas Can Spread Germs, Expert Warns

Vuvuzelas aren't just loud but they can spread germs too, a South African clinic warned Thursday, urging fans to keep their lips on their own horns to avoid catching colds.

"A fan instrument such as the much-loved vuvuzela can unfortunately blow spittle and germs from infected individuals on to other people in crowded areas and may be a health risk for infectious illnesses such as flu," said Netcare Travel Clinics doctor Pete Vincent.

World Cup With Vuvuzelas
In South Africa, the focus on football is shifting to something as mundane as the African horn Vuvuzela

He also warned that sharing vuvuzelas can spread germs, while blowing too hard can damage the throat -- after a woman in Cape Town ruptured her throat during a trumpet-blowing competition.

The din from the tuneless plastic trumpets have become the defining sound of South Africa's World Cup, leaving television networks hunting for ways to tune out the constant buzz from their broadcasts.

Source-AFP

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Balm for Vuvuzela Lips
While the recent World Cup has seen the widespread popularity of vuvuzelas, one of the major problems of constantly blowing into the plastic horns