What surfaces are the most likely to be contaminated with Swine Flu?

Answer 1

All public surfaces should be considered potentially contaminated. Sneezes can disperse virus particles in the air perhaps even as far as six feet from the person who sneezes. The particles on respiratory droplets will fall to the surfaces in the area. In addition any surfaces commonly touched, such as doorknobs, drawer pulls, telephones, public pencils or pens, chair arms, desks, tables, shopping carts, steering wheels, or other things touched by hands are very likely to have virus on them. Money is also a place where viruses can live. Coins can have viable viruses on them for up to 2 hours, paper money for even two weeks if the virus is mixed in mucous from the cough or sneeze or from someone's hands.

Different time frames are found referenced about the length of time viruses can remain viable on surfaces outside a living host, but for most environments it is most often quoted that they can "live" for 24 to 48 hours on nonporous environmental surfaces and less than 12 hours on porous surfaces before becoming inert.

Wash hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw it away immediately. Use alcohol or disinfectant sprays on surfaces (check labels to be sure they are effective on influenza viruses). Don't eat or drink after someone else with the same dishes or silverware. Avoid touching your face, your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.

For more information on protecting yourself from viruses like Swine Flu or colds and bacteria, see the related questions below.