Well, I have some bad news, and some not so very good news. The mucus in sneezes provides nutrients as well as moisture for bacteria. Consequently, they persist for several hours on the surface, until the droplets dry. Viruses are similar. read more
A germ like HIV or other delicate viruses will not last at all while some bacteria can go into suspended states and can last on objects for years. read more
A: It depends partly on where the germ-laden droplets fall. Experiments with specific cold and flu germs have shown potential survival times ranging from a few minutes to 48 hours or more. read more