The common cold and diseases like influenza are triggered by germs called viruses.
These germs are infectious and can stay on surfaces and make you sick if they key in your body.
How long they can “live” (remain infectious) on a surface varies.
Jon Hicks / Getty Images
These include rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and parainfluenza viruses.
Influenza viruses (A and B), cause the seasonal flu.
Viruses are not technically considered “living” because they are not made of cells.
They are genetic material (DNA or RNA) coated in a protein.
They do not have metabolic processes (taking in nutrients or producing energy).
Because of these characteristics, viruses are often described as being at the “edge of life.”
Cold viruses can remain infectious longer on hard, nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic.
Frequently touched surfaces such as metal doorknobs, sink faucets, and plastic toys are common objects.
These droplets spread through the air to surfaces or to others in the area.
The most likely way to acquire a virus in droplet form is through surfaces.
You could pick up the virus if you touch a surface where droplets have recently landed.
If you then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, you may give yourself the virus.
Another way to pick up a virus is through handshaking and other forms of touch with another person.
What About Airborne and Human Transmission?
Technically, the spread of a virus in droplets is not “airborne” transmission.
Airborne virusescan travel up to 30 feet and hang in the air for hours.
Some studies have suggested that viruses like influenza, rhinovirus, and adenoviruses can be transmitted through the air.
Other respiratory viruses, such as RSV and SARS-CoV-2, are also considered airborne.
Most respiratory viruses will make you sick within a day or so.
However, you should take precautions, like vigorous handwashing and disinfecting surfaces, for at least five days.
These timelines are slightly different for each respiratory virus.
Use soap or detergent to remove dirt and disinfectants to kill germs.
They can persist on surfaces long enough to infect people.
The time a virus survives (remains infectious) on a surface varies.
Factors such as temperature, humidity, surface throw in, and the virus itself play a role.
Viruses survive longer on hard surfaces like stainless steel and plastic, up to 48 hours.
Softer, porous materials like fabric limit their survival to a few hours.
Viruses spread through respiratory droplets released when coughing, sneezing, or talking.
Some viruses are airborne and can remain suspended for hours, traveling up to 30 feet.
Regular handwashing and disinfecting surfaces help prevent infection.
HEPA filters, masks, social distancing, and vaccines also help prevent viruses in public.
a systematic review.American Journal of Infection Control.
2011;6(11):e27932.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0027932 allow this although older.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About common cold.
Moriyama M, Hugentobler WJ, Iwasaki A.Seasonality of respiratory viral infections.Annual Review of Virology.
2023;272:127388. doi:10.1016/j.micres.2023.127388
MedlinePlus.Common cold.
Wang CC, Prather KA, Sznitman J, et al.Airborne transmission of respiratory viruses.Science.
2021;373(6558).
doi:10.1126/science.abd9149
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing spread of respiratory viruses when you’re sick.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Taking steps for cleaner air for respiratory virus prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cleaning and disinfecting pet supplies.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hygiene and respiratory viruses prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About physical distancing and respiratory viruses.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Masks and respiratory viruses prevention.
