Cold and flu season brings an increased risk of illness, not just from close contact with sick individuals, but also from touching contaminated surfaces. Many people wonder how long cold and flu germs can live outside the body and whether touching everyday objects can really make you sick. The answer is yes, cold and flu viruses can remain contagious on surfaces for hours or even days, depending on the virus and the type of surface. Understanding how long these germs survive can help you take simple steps to protect yourself and your family.
For same-day cold and flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Our clinic is open 7 days a week and provides rapid illness diagnosis and symptom relief. Simply walk in or plan your visit in advance below.
How Cold and Flu Germs Spread
Cold and flu viruses primarily spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land on nearby surfaces, such as countertops, phones, keyboards, door handles, and toys. When someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus can enter the body. This type of transmission is known as fomite transmission and plays a significant role in the spread of respiratory illnesses.
How Long Do Cold Viruses Live on Surfaces?
The common cold is caused by several types of viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses. Rhinoviruses can survive on hard surfaces like plastic, metal, and glass for several hours up to a full day. On soft surfaces, such as fabric or tissues, they usually survive for a shorter time. Although the virus may not survive indefinitely, even brief survival on surfaces can be enough to infect someone who touches their face afterward.
How Long Does the Flu Virus Survive on Surfaces?
Influenza viruses tend to survive longer than cold viruses under the right conditions. On hard, nonporous surfaces, flu viruses can remain contagious for 24 to 48 hours. On soft surfaces like cloth or paper, survival time is usually limited to several hours. Temperature, humidifier, and surface material all influence how long the virus remains active.
High-Risk Surfaces to Watch Out For
Some surfaces are more likely to harbor cold and flu germs due to frequent contact. These include:
- Doorknobs and light switches
- Phones and tablets
- Remote controls
- Keyboards and computer mice
- Bathroom fixtures
- Toys and shared equipment
To lower your risk of infection, be sure to disinfect these commonly touched surfaces daily. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and stay home when sick to limit contamination. These habits are especially important during peak cold and flu season.
If you develop symptoms such as fever, body aches, sore throat, cough, or congestion and they worsen or don’t improve, visit an urgent care center. Providers can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Prompt care may also help prevent complications.
Get Walk-In Cold & Flu Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer
Cold and flu germs can remain contagious on surfaces for hours or even days, making surface hygiene an important part of illness prevention. Regular handwashing, surface disinfection, and staying home when sick can greatly reduce your risk of infection. If symptoms do develop, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Our center is a convenient option for timely evaluation and care, conveniently located at 777 E Speer Blvd. in Denver, CO. No appointment required! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for any self-paying patient. If you have any additional questions about cold and flu treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (303) 733-4000.
