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.
Flu viruses live longer on surfaces than cold viruses do. Also, it’s generally believed that cold and flu viruses live longer on non-porous surfaces — such as plastic, metal or wood — than they do on porous surfaces — such as fabrics, skin or paper.
Although cold and flu viruses primarily spread from person-to-person contact, you can also become infected from contact with contaminated surfaces. The best way to avoid becoming infected with a cold or flu is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer. And don’t shake hands during flu season. Get some creative ideas for handshaking alternatives from NPR.
Find out from Mayo Clinic experts the answers to other flu-related issues, such as:
- How serious is the global threat of swine flu (H1N1)?
- Germs: Understand and protect against bacteria, viruses and infection
- Influenza (flu)
- Common cold
- Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza
- Flu school closing: Any benefit?
- Vaccines for adults
- Hand washing: An easy way to prevent infection
- Disaster planning: Things you can do to stay healthy
- Bird flu (avian influenza)
- Swine flu (H1N1 flu)
© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
See also: Should Heart Patients Get the H1N1 Flu Vaccine?
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I’m SO happy you included this! You must have read my mind. I have developed a case of germaphobia or mysophobia (whichever you prefer). I started when I discovered I had Lyme Disease, since I had my stents I have become a bit worse. I guess it’s because I fear what germs can do to me, so my being cautious has turned into a phobia. I have been searching for the exact information you have above. Thank you so much!!! Has anyone else become a bit more cautious with germs? Please say I’m NOT alone…LOL