At business hygiene, we receive a lot of questions about common colds and the flu. What makes these illnesses spread? How long do cold and fu germs last on surfaces, and what’s the best way to clean to prevent their spread? Below, we’ve put together a collection of some of the most common questions people have on this topic.
Q: What Causes Influenza Germs to Remain on Surfaces?
A: Influenza germs usually remain on surfaces for about a day before they die and are either inactivated or removed by routine cleaning. However, flu germs can survive for extended periods on hard surfaces with a great deal of exposure to sunlight and regular cleaning.
Q: Can Business Cleaning Procedures Impact Influenza Germs?
A: Influenza germs can survive on surfaces such as doorknobs, door handles, phones, computers, and televisions for at least 24 hours after cleaning procedures. Businesses that don’t clean covers thoroughly risk allowing influenza germs to survive for up to a week! It’s important to clean these surfaces regularly and not just rely on germs to run their lifecycle.
Q: What Germs Cause the Common Cold?
A: Colds are caused by a group of viruses called rhinoviruses, which belong to the same family as the one that causes the common flu. Rhinoviruses include those responsible for both common colds and vernal or “kissing” fever. Rhinoviruses are very sensitive to ultraviolet light and need to protect themselves from ultraviolet light to spread effectively. If a cold or flu virus remains in the air for too long, it becomes weakened and no longer causes infection. This is one reason why the common cold can be so contagious during the winter—there’s less sunlight and people tend to spend more time indoors.
Q: How Long Do Cold and Flu Viruses Survive on Surfaces?
A: Colds and flu viruses live on surfaces for as long as two weeks. Similar to how vernal or kissing fever viruses can live on surfaces for up to four weeks, cold viruses usually die within two weeks of their last exposure to ultraviolet light. However, whether cold viruses can survive on surfaces for longer than four weeks is unknown.
Q: What Are Germs, Exactly?
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are collectively known as microbes. The term “germ” is sometimes used to refer to any small living thing, but it’s best to stick with the word “microbe” for cold and flu viruses.
A: How Can You Stop the Spread of Germs on Surfaces?
There are primarily two methods to block the spread of germs for the common cold: Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands thoroughly. For influenza, it’s essential to be sure that everyone in the room is wearing a mask that covers both their nose and mouth (and is made from impermeable fabrics).
Q: Which Surfaces Are Most Favorable to Germs?
A: Rhinoviruses and influenza viruses prefer hard surfaces (such as floors, tables, desks, toys, and taps). These indoor surfaces are good at protecting viruses from ultraviolet light (UV), which quickly renders them ineffective. Dishes, soft surfaces (such as carpets), and fabrics (such as curtains or clothing) can hold viruses for a few days to a week.
Key Takeaway
We hope that this blog has provided you with valuable insights and answers to your questions about colds and the flu. At Business Hygiene, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment to prevent the spread of germs. That’s why we offer a wide range of top-quality hygiene cleaning supplies in San Marcos TX, tailored to suit your specific needs. Whether you are looking for janitorial supplies in San Marcos TX or seeking professional guidance on effective cleaning practices, our dedicated team is here to assist you. Don’t compromise on the well-being of your employees and customers. Take action today and reach out to Business Hygiene for all your hygiene cleaning needs. Together, let’s create a safe and hygienic space for everyone. Contact us now to get started.
