How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Objects & Surfaces

This article was republished from WebMD.com

 

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 mainly spreads from person to person. When someone who is infected coughs or sneezes, they send droplets containing the virus into the air. A healthy person can then breathe in those droplets. You can also catch the virus if you touch a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.Coronavirus: What you Need to KnowThe coronavirus can live for hours to days on surfaces like countertops and doorknobs. How long it survives depends on the material the surface is made from.

Here’s a guide to how long coronaviruses — the family of viruses that includes the one that causes COVID-19 — can live on some of the surfaces you probably touch on a daily basis. Keep in mind that researchers still have a lot to learn about the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. For example, they don’t know whether exposure to heat, cold, or sunlight affects how long it lives on surfaces.

Metal – 5 Days
Examples: doorknobs, jewelry, silverware

Wood – 4 Days
Examples: furniture, decking

Plastics – 2-3 Days
Examples: packaging like milk containers and detergent bottles, subway and bus seats, backpacks, elevator buttons

Stainless Steel – 2-3 Days
Examples: refrigerators, pots and pans, sinks, some water bottles

Cardboard – 24 Hours
Examples: shipping boxes

Copper – 4 Hours
Examples: pennies, teakettles, cookware

Aluminum – 2-8 Hours
Examples: soda cans, tinfoil, water bottles

Glass – 5 Days
Examples: drinking glasses, measuring cups, mirrors, windows

Ceramics – 5 Days
Examples: dishes, pottery, mugs

Paper – Varies
The length of time varies. Some strains of coronavirus live for only a few minutes on paper, while others live for up to 5 days.

Food – Inconclusive

Coronavirus doesn’t seem to spread through exposure to food. Still, it’s a good idea to wash fruits and vegetables under running water before you eat them. Scrub them with a brush or your hands to remove any germs that might be on their surface. Wash your hands after you visit the supermarket. If you have a weakened immune system, you might want to buy frozen or canned produce.

Water – Zero

Coronavirus hasn’t been found in drinking water. If it does get into the water supply, your local water treatment plant filters and disinfects the water, which should kill any germs.

Coronaviruses can live on a variety of other surfaces, like fabrics and countertops.

What You Can Do

To reduce your chance of catching or spreading coronavirus, clean and disinfect all surfaces and objects in your home and office every day. This includes:

  • Countertops
  • Tables
  • Doorknobs
  • Bathroom fixtures
  • Phones
  • Keyboards
  • Remote controls
  • Toilets

Use a household cleaning spray or wipe. If the surfaces are dirty, clean them first with soap and water and then disinfect them.

Keep surfaces clean, even if everyone in your house is healthy. People who are infected may not show symptoms, but they can still shed the virus onto surfaces.

After you visit the drugstore or supermarket, or bring in takeout food or packages, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Do the same thing after you pick up a delivered newspaper.

At Pacific Eye & Ear Specialists, we employ thorough evaluation and treatment regimes. Call our office today for an appointment with our top Los Angeles ENT physicians and Audiologists. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (310) 477-5558.