How long can flu bugs survive on that doorknob?

by Carolyn Thomas  @HeartSisters door green

Internist Dr. James Steckelberg from Mayo Clinic answers this common question about the upcoming flu season:

Q: If someone has the flu or a cold and coughs into his hand and then touches a doorknob, how long can those germs live on that doorknob?

A:  The length of time that cold or flu germs can survive outside the body on an environmental surface, such as a doorknob, varies greatly. But the suspected range is from a few seconds to 48 hours — depending on the specific virus and the type of surface.  Continue reading “How long can flu bugs survive on that doorknob?”