When it comes to highly infectious illnesses like the flu, the duration that germs may live on surfaces is a significant element in limiting the spread of infection. You wouldn’t believe how long viruses may live on common surfaces like doorknobs, cell phones, and kitchen countertops. Proper hygiene and infection prevention may be achieved by learning how long bacteria, especially viruses, can persist on different surfaces.
How Long Can a Flu Virus Last on a Surface
Among the most prevalent causes of surface contamination, influenza viruses rank high. Depending on the surface type and surrounding environmental factors, these viruses may remain on surfaces from a few hours to many days. Stainless steel and plastic, which are not porous, may harbor the flu virus for a longer time, sometimes up to 48 hours. On the other hand, the virus’s lifetime is drastically reduced when exposed to porous materials, such as textiles or paper, usually to just a few hours.
Factors Influencing the Lifespan of Germs
The duration of germ survival on surfaces is affected by many factors:
- Surface Type: Hard, nonporous surfaces are more conducive to the survival of germs than soft, porous ones. In contrast to clothes and tissues, surfaces such as doorknobs and desks may harbor viruses such as influenza for a longer time.
- Situation in the Natural Environment: The degrees of temperature and humidity matter most for germs’ survival. Many microbes can survive for longer periods in cooler, less humid conditions, but their longevity is often reduced in hotter and more humid climates.
- Type of Germ: The survival rates for various germs might vary considerably. In ideal circumstances, certain viruses, like the flu virus, may persist for up to 48 hours, while others, like coronaviruses, can persist for much longer.
Effective cleaning solutions, such as alcohol-based disinfectants, swiftly destroy germs, significantly lowering their survival period.
How Long Do Virus Germs Last on Surfaces
While bacteria can live independently, viruses need living things to reproduce. However, they can stay active on surfaces for extended amounts of time. Some typical instances are as follows:
- COVID-19: Coronavirus For 48 hours, the influenza virus may infect inanimate objects and solid, nonporous surfaces. It usually lives for 8-12 hours on porous surfaces like tissues.
- Influenza Virus: Cold viruses’ infective power decreases after a few hours, yet they may still live on surfaces for about 24 hours.
- Coronaviruses: Under ideal circumstances, research has shown that some coronaviruses may survive on various surfaces for up to three to four days.
Norovirus, notorious for causing food poisoning, may incubate on surfaces for days, if not weeks.
How Long Does a Virus Survive on Surfaces?
Some factors, including the kind of virus and the cleanliness of the surface and surroundings, determine how long viruses may survive on surfaces. When exposed to heat, sunshine, or disinfectants, viruses rapidly lose their infectious power. Because of the high volume of human touch, germs may live for extended periods on frequently touched surfaces, such as shopping cart handles, phones, keyboards, and elevator buttons.
How Long Can the Flu Virus Survive on Surfaces?
Research shows that flu viruses are resilient on surfaces. Although their infectious capacity decreases with time, they are still highly contagious in the first hours. Nonetheless, the virus may infect inanimate objects (such as metal or plastic) for 48 hours. This highlights the need to maintain a regular cleaning schedule, particularly in shared areas.
Preventing the Spread of Germs
The key to infection management is minimizing the lifetime of germs on surfaces. Listed below are some doable measures to lessen the danger:
- Clean Up Regularly: Always use cleansers authorized by the EPA to disinfect surfaces that are touched often. Pay special attention to surfaces such as counters, doorknobs, radio controls, and light switches.
- Clean Your Hands: Wash your hands properly with water and soap for at least twenty seconds. If you don’t have soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Keeping Your Hands Off Your Face: Germs usually enter the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes. Avoid touching your face; it might help prevent infections.
- Use Paper Towels: To avoid spreading germs, use a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw it away immediately.
- Boost Air Circulation: Enhancing airflow may decrease the quantity of airborne germs and their accumulation on surfaces.
How Long Do Viruses Last on Surfaces?
Viruses can withstand some damage, but they cannot entirely remove it. If they are exposed to a virus and their surroundings change, their lifetime can differ. Although the flu virus only has a 48-hour half-life on nonporous surfaces, norovirus and other similar viruses may survive for weeks. Regular cleaning and good hygiene practices are still the best option to prevent surface contamination.
Keep Contagion Down with the Help of AmeriStar Facility Solutions
Maintaining clean surfaces, particularly in heavily used places, is an important step in protecting the environment and human health. Trust Ameristar Facility Solutions for expert cleaning services that will leave your area free of dangerous bacteria and viruses.
They provide tailored cleaning services based on their extensive knowledge of facility maintenance and infection control protocols. A call to Ameristar Facility Solutions is all it takes. Visit ameristarfacilitysolutions.com, call (570) 675-5525, or email info@ameristarfacilitysolutions.com to find out more about their thorough cleaning services and start making your space safer and healthier.