How long can the flu virus live on surfaces?

There have been studies of how long significant amounts of flu germs can survive on surfaces. Estimates range from a few minutes up to 24 hours, depending on the type of surface. (It lives longest on hard surfaces. ) While 24 hours seems like a long time, experts downplay the significance. read more

Viruses are spread through sneezes and coughs that spread droplets on all surfaces within three feet. Depending on the strain and the surface, flu viruses can survive outside a host from a few seconds to more than two weeks. read more

Flu viruses survive less on porous surfaces, such as clothing, paper and tissue, experts say. Most flu viruses can live one to two days on nonporous surfaces, and 8 to 12 hours on porous ones. read more

There have been studies of how long significant amounts of flu germs can survive on surfaces. Estimates range from a few minutes up to 24 hours, depending on the type of surface. (It lives longest on hard surfaces.) While 24 hours seems like a long time, experts downplay the significance. read more