Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What are Viruses?
- How Long Do Viruses Live On Surfaces?
3.1. Factors That Affect How Long Viruses Survive On Surfaces
3.1.1. Temperature
3.1.2. Humidity
3.1.3. Material
3.2. How Long Do Different Types of Viruses Survive On Surfaces?
3.2.1. Coronavirus
3.2.2. Influenza
3.2.3. Norovirus - How to Prevent the Spread of Viruses on Surfaces
4.1. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
4.2. Wear Protective Gear
4.3. Avoid Touching Your Face - Conclusion
Introduction
Viruses are tiny, infectious agents that can cause a wide range of illnesses. They can spread through contact with an infected person, or through contact with contaminated surfaces. In this article, we’ll discuss how long viruses can live on surfaces and how to prevent their spread.
What are Viruses?
Viruses are microscopic organisms that can cause a variety of illnesses in humans and animals. They are made up of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protective coat. Viruses are not alive, but they can replicate and spread through contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces.
How Long Do Viruses Live On Surfaces?
The amount of time a virus can survive on a surface depends on a variety of factors, including temperature, humidity, and the material the surface is made of. Generally, viruses can survive on surfaces for several hours or even days.
Factors That Affect How Long Viruses Survive On Surfaces
Temperature: Viruses can survive longer on surfaces in cooler temperatures. For example, the influenza virus can survive for up to 24 hours at room temperature, but only 4 hours at 98.6°F (37°C).
Humidity: Viruses can survive longer on surfaces in higher humidity. For example, the influenza virus can survive for up to 24 hours at 80% humidity, but only 8 hours at 20% humidity.
Material: Different materials can affect how long viruses survive on surfaces. For example, the influenza virus can survive for up to 24 hours on plastic and stainless steel, but only 8 hours on paper and cloth.
How Long Do Different Types of Viruses Survive On Surfaces?
The amount of time different types of viruses can survive on surfaces can vary. Here are some examples:
Coronavirus: The coronavirus can survive for up to 9 days on plastic and stainless steel surfaces at room temperature.
Influenza: The influenza virus can survive for up to 24 hours on plastic and stainless steel surfaces at room temperature.
Norovirus: The norovirus can survive for up to 4 weeks on plastic and stainless steel surfaces at room temperature.
How to Prevent the Spread of Viruses on Surfaces
The best way to prevent the spread of viruses on surfaces is to clean and disinfect them regularly. Here are some tips for preventing the spread of viruses on surfaces:
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly with soap and water or a disinfectant. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
Wear Protective Gear: Wear protective gear, such as gloves and masks, when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Conclusion
Viruses can survive on surfaces for several hours or even days, depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the material the surface is made of. To prevent the spread of viruses on surfaces, it’s important to clean and disinfect them regularly and avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
Sources:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). How Long Do Germs Live Outside the Body? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/germs/germs_outside_body.html
2. World Health Organization. (2020). How Long Do Viruses Survive Outside the Body? Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/how-long-do-viruses-survive-outside-the-body