Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Swine Flu and the Silver Chalice

The Swine Flu is spreading like wild fire here in the U.K. My husband and I just started going to a church where a single silver chalice is used to serve communion. We are wondering what the life of virus germs might be on the metal silver. After each person takes a sip of wine, the cup is wiped with a cloth but the same cloth is used over and over again and it is only a matter of seconds between sips from different people. Could this method of communion be an unwitting method of spreading Swine Flu?

Thank you if this is something you can answer.

Elaine Aldrich
- Wirksworth, Derbyshire, UK
July 17, 2009

Silver and alcohol are natural killers of bacteria. The question is -is the contact time long enough. My church offers each a choice of the common cup or disposable. I am a coward and use the disposable ones.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
July 23, 2009

---

September 7, 2009

Ever hear the phrase "Born with a silver spoon in their mouth?"
Lil bit of history for you this morning.
As it turns out most nobles could afford silver flatware for their children, while the peasants had to make due with utensils carved from wood.
Silver has anti-microbial properties, so the upper class children didn't get sick as often. People took note, and this phrase came about because of it.

As a side note, I keep silver plated coins under the padding of my shoes. Kills smelly feet real quick, turns out that the silver doesn't have to be any specific type to work, just has to be silver.

Them using a silver cup cuts down on the chances of spreading germs around to congregation, I would deem the risk negligible.
Keep in mind, that is the opinion of a random guy on the internet who is NOT a doctor.

Marc Banks
Blacksmith - Boone, North Carolina