Cold and flu viruses can remain infectious on surfaces for varying lengths of time, posing a risk of transmission through contact. Influenza viruses can survive on hard surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic for up to 48 hours, while cold viruses generally last for shorter periods, often just a few hours1 2. Environmental factors like temperature and humidity significantly influence how long these viruses remain infectious on surfaces3 4.
Cold and Flu Germ Survival on Surfaces
Cold and flu viruses differ in their ability to survive on surfaces, influenced by their structure and environmental conditions. Influenza viruses, which cause the flu, can remain viable on non-porous surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic for up to 24 to 48 hours3 56. In contrast, cold viruses, including rhinoviruses and human coronaviruses that cause common colds, typically survive for shorter periods, usually a few hours on surfaces7 8.
The lipid envelope surrounding many cold and flu viruses affects their stability. This envelope makes them more susceptible to environmental factors and disinfectants, reducing their survival time outside the body9 10. Viruses tend to survive longer on non-porous surfaces like plastic, stainless steel, and glass because these materials do not absorb moisture, which helps maintain viral infectivity3 11. Porous materials such as cloth, paper, and tissues absorb moisture and inactivate viruses more rapidly, limiting their survival to a few hours11 12.
Environmental conditions play a crucial role in virus survival. Low temperature and low humidity favor longer virus survival on surfaces, while warmer temperatures and higher humidity reduce the infectious lifespan of these viruses13 46. For example, influenza viruses survive longer in cool, dry conditions typical of winter months2 . The presence of mucus or respiratory secretions can protect viruses by keeping them hydrated, extending their viability on surfaces14 1.
Virus infectivity declines over time on surfaces, which reduces the risk of transmission the longer the virus has been present4 . For instance, influenza virus infectivity significantly decreases after 6 hours on copper surfaces but can last up to 24 hours on stainless steel15 . Rhinoviruses survive up to 2 hours on surfaces, while human coronavirus 229E can remain infectious for 3 to 6 hours7 8.
| Virus Type | Surface Type | Survival Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Influenza A | Stainless steel | Up to 24-48 hours | Infectivity declines over time3 15 |
| Rhinoviruses | Non-porous surfaces | Up to 2 hours | Shorter survival than flu viruses7 |
| Human coronavirus 229E | Non-porous surfaces | 3 to 6 hours | Common cold virus8 |
| Influenza A | Copper surfaces | Significant reduction after 6 hours | Copper is antiviral15 |
| Influenza A & B | Cloth, paper | Less than 12 hours | Porous surfaces reduce survival12 |
Cold and flu viruses survive longer on hard, non-porous surfaces like doorknobs and countertops, making these common touchpoints hotspots for transmission. 12
How Cold and Flu Viruses Spread
Cold and flu viruses primarily spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land on surfaces, contaminating them with infectious virus particles16 17. Transmission can occur when a person touches these contaminated surfaces and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, allowing the virus to enter the body4 .
While surface (fomite) transmission is possible, it is considered less common than direct contact or airborne spread8 16. Respiratory droplets typically travel only a few meters before settling on surfaces or the ground, but smaller aerosol particles can remain suspended in the air for longer periods and travel further distances18 19. Nonetheless, contaminated surfaces remain a plausible route of infection, especially in indoor and healthcare settings where virus survival is prolonged16 17.
Virus survival on surfaces depends on several factors:
- Virus type: Different viruses have varying stability outside the body20 3.
- Surface material: Non-porous surfaces harbor viruses longer than porous ones3 11.
- Environmental conditions: Temperature, humidity, airflow, and sunlight affect virus viability13 4.
- Presence of biological fluids: Mucus can protect viruses and extend their survival14 .
People can also spread viruses by direct contact, such as handshakes or touching contaminated hands, which then touch the face4 21. The risk of infection increases if hand hygiene is poor and if individuals frequently touch their face without washing their hands10 .
“People can definitely get it from touching bus poles, especially in the five to 10 minutes that elapse from a sick person getting off the bus and someone else getting on.”
— Alison Carey, MD, Drexel University21
Preventing Cold and Flu Transmission
Preventing the spread of cold and flu viruses involves interrupting their transmission routes, especially through hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and surface cleaning.
How To Reduce Your Risk at Home
At home, the following measures help reduce the risk of cold and flu transmission:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds10 1.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable10 1.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of the elbow, then dispose of tissues properly10 1.
- Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and light switches using EPA-approved disinfectants4 22.
- Avoid sharing cups, utensils, towels, or bedding with sick individuals1 .
- Stay home when sick and self-isolate to prevent spreading the virus to others23 1.
How To Reduce Your Risk in Public Places
In public settings, additional precautions include:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands10 21.
- Carry disinfecting wipes to clean frequently touched surfaces like shopping cart handles and public transport poles21 .
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when handwashing is not possible10 21.
- Maintain physical distance from people who are visibly sick24 .
- Consider wearing masks, especially in crowded or indoor spaces, to reduce inhalation of infectious droplets24 2.
“These surfaces like countertops, doorknobs or your keyboard can harbor the influenza virus for up to 48 hours, depending on the environment, and pass them on to others.”
— Stanley Martin, MD, Geisinger2
Key Takeaways
- Influenza viruses can survive on hard, non-porous surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic for up to 48 hours, while cold viruses usually survive only a few hours3 78.
- Virus survival is longer in cool, dry environments and shorter in warm, humid conditions13 46.
- Non-porous surfaces allow viruses to remain infectious longer than porous materials like cloth and paper3 11.
- Transmission through contaminated surfaces is possible but less common than airborne or direct contact routes8 16.
- Preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, respiratory etiquette, surface disinfection, vaccination, and isolation during illness effectively reduce transmission risk10 23.
