How long do germs and viruses live on household items? 

Bacteria and viruses are everywhere.  There’s not a day that goes by each of us do not come into contact with these pesky germs.  Depending on the type of bacteria or virus, the surface they may be found on and the environmental conditions (hot, cold, damp, or sunny), will determine the length of life these microorganism have.

Here is an overview of what to be aware of on how long these critters can live:

·      Norovirus

Norovirus, also known as the “stomach bug,” is highly contagious and easily spread almost anywhere people are in close contact – classrooms, cruise ships, and other crowded spaces leading to vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Not only is direct person-to-person contact a form of contamination but also so is touching a surface harboring the virus.

This virus has a lengthy life span outside the human body – it can last for weeks on a countertop, on an elevator button or even on a doorknob. If someone doesn’t wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom, it can be easily picked up.

·      Cold viruses

While there are several different types of cold-causing viruses, many of them can survive on indoor surfaces for more than 7 days.  If the surface they have come into contact with is non-porous or water resistant, such as stainless steel and plastics, they can survive for a longer period.  If a cold virus comes into contact with a more porous surface such as fabrics and tissues, their survival time is reduced. While cold viruses may be able to survive on surfaces for several days, their ability to cause an infection quickly diminishes and most do not survive more than 24 hours.

·      Flu viruses

Flu viruses, like viruses causing colds, also have a span of maybe 24 hours to infect someone. If they come into contact with a hard surface, they can survive for 24 hours but if found on a tissue, their survival rate drops to only 15 minutes. A flu virus found on the surface of hands, will only be infectious for up to 5 minutes.  A good reason for covering the nose when sneezing is that flu virus’ droplets can survive in the air for several hours.  If the droplets are suspended in cold temperatures, this increases their survival length.

·      MRSA

MRSA infection is caused by a type of staph bacteria called staphylococcus aureus and can survive for days to weeks on surfaces. They have this ability to live on surfaces longer than other bacteria and viruses since they can survive better without moisture.  They prefer hard surfaces over soft surfaces.

·      Herpes

Herpes virus from cold sores found around the mouth can survive for 2 hours on the skin.  The best way to prevent spread of this virus is to not touch the cold sore.  Wash your hands immediately after touching a cold sore such as when applying cold sore cream.

Best ways to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses

While we will always be exposed to bugs causing illness, there are ways to reduce their spread of infection to yourself or others:

·      Always wash hands regularly especially after using the restroom, changing a baby’s diaper, before handling food and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

·      Focus your efforts on cleaning areas in your home where germs are more likely to spread, such as the kitchen and toilet.

·      Use both use soap and hot water to rinse the germs away, or a disinfectant to kill them.

·      Always dry surfaces such as countertops and cutting boards thoroughly after cleaning them.  Bacteria and viruses survive better on damp surfaces and can start multiplying.

·      Use disposable cloths or paper towels when possible

·      Frequently clean tiles, grout and shower curtains in bathrooms

·      Clean floors regularly with warm water and detergent to remove visible dirt

·      Steam cleaning is effective against germs on carpets and furnishings

·      Curtains can be cleaned by laundering or disinfected by steam cleaning

·      Wash fabrics that may be contaminated with bacteria or viruses at 60C or 140F with a bleach-based laundry product.