The COVID-19 pandemic has made us change our hygiene practices. We’re washing our hands more often and we’re more aware of how germs are spread, and how we can stop them from spreading.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made us change our hygiene practices. We’re washing our hands more often and we’re more aware of how germs are spread, and how we can stop them from spreading.
Many of us have also started cleaning our household surfaces more regularly. So, you may be wondering how long do germs live on surfaces...
Read on to learn about the different types of germs that can make us ill, how long they can live on surfaces, and what you can do to avoid them.
If you catch a
, it’s usually because your hands have come into contact with the nasal fluid (secretions) from someone who’s infected with the cold virus.This includes touching surfaces that are contaminated with a person’s germs: the virus then stays on your hands and can get into your body if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Cold viruses can live on your hands and other surfaces like cups and plates, cutlery, door handles, keyboards, phones, and worktops for up to 24 hours.
Like with a cold, you can also get flu from direct contact with an infected person’s nasal secretions, or by touching objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus.
The flu virus can live on all surfaces in your home (including door knobs, tabletops, toilet flush handles, keyboards, phones and soft furnishings), for up to 48 hours, so it’s important to clean these surfaces regularly to stop the spread of flu. It can also live on hands for up to 24 hours, so washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water will also stop the spread.
It's thought that, like other coronaviruses, the coronavirus that causes
is mainly spread through droplets released when an infected person sneezes, coughs or breathes out. If you breathe in these droplets, or they come into contact with your eyes or mouth, you could catch the virus.If droplets land on something, the coronavirus might be able to survive for a few days on hard surfaces, such as tables and door handles. You could then be infected by touching the surface before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, but experts say transmission is less likely via contact with surfaces than breathing in droplets.
Coronavirus can live on indoor surfaces for a few days, but after three days there will be a 99% reduction in survival – so minimal risk of catching Covid via contact with surfaces.
They’re usually spread from one person to another directly: if you breathe in droplets released when another person sneezes or coughs, touch someone who has the bacteria on their skin, or come into contact with an infected wound or skin sore.
Some studies suggest that certain species of Streptococcus can survive for long periods on surfaces, but there’s a lack of evidence about how long they can last.
Viruses, such as the
, are common causes of stomach bugs (). Norovirus can last for weeks on surfaces like lift buttons and doorknobs.Bacteria such as
, and campylobacter can also cause .E. coli is usually spread through contaminated food or water, or contact with infected animals, but it can survive on surfaces like cooking utensils for several months.
MRSA can live on dry surfaces including furniture, and gym equipment for months.
There are some general steps you can take every day to help you avoid becoming ill through germs:
Germs can get onto clothing from our own bodies, if our clothing touches contaminated objects or food, or from other people. How long they live on clothing depends on the type of germ. Underwear is more likely to have germs on it, as it can carry germs from poo (faeces).
There’s not much evidence about how long flu germs can live on hands, but one study found that they only live for a few minutes. Most experts think flu spreads mainly through droplets released when infected people cough, sneeze or talk, which then get into the noses or mouths of people nearby. You should wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitiser to help stop the spread of germs.
Up to about 11 days. It usually takes about 2 days from picking up the flu to having symptoms, but can take 1 to 4 days. This is called the incubation period. Generally, you can spread the flu (you’re contagious) from 3 to 4 days before you have symptoms. Then you’re usually contagious for 5 to 7 days after first having symptoms.
Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.