How come pathogen (bacteria, virii) that live on surfaces are able to transfer themselves when we touch those surfaces? How come its cell membranes aren’t crushed by the pressure of our hand?

Question

I’ve always wondered this. We always hear about contracting certain viruses/pathogens by touching something that has been infected with those pathogens. But I’m not sure how come their cell membranes of such tiny microscopic organisms aren’t simply all crushed en masse when a huge human hand touches the surface they’re living on.

In: Biology

Answer 1

At that level, surfaces aren’t smooth, there’s plenty of books and crannies. Your tissues are also form soft and flexible at that scale.
But you likely are killing a bunch, there’s just a bunch of crap absolutely everywhere.