Buzz
Is there a risk of contracting an illness from unboxing a parcel? How safe is it to touch a library book? Can drinking from a public water fountain pose a threat? Should I be concerned about using gym equipment? What about my toddler’s tendency to mouth objects? We understand that the coronavirus can persist on surfaces for a certain period, raising numerous questions about the details.
To address these concerns, we consulted two infectious disease experts from the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth: Susan Wootton and Michael Chang. Both are seasoned MDs with vast experience in managing infectious diseases, and they provided comprehensive answers to our queries about the duration the COVID-19 virus can survive on various surfaces and the most effective ways to safeguard ourselves.
What is known about the virus's ability to survive on different surfaces?
Research into the duration the coronavirus can persist on various surfaces is still ongoing, leaving many questions unanswered. Fortunately, the World Health Organization suggests that COVID-19 behaves similarly to other coronaviruses, providing some insight into what we might anticipate.
What information do we currently have?
It is understood that coronaviruses can remain viable on different surfaces for anywhere from a few hours to several days, influenced by conditions like temperature and humidity. A study conducted under controlled laboratory conditions indicated that coronaviruses can survive for up to 9 days.
Wootton explains that in real-world scenarios, the survival time of the virus will differ, with the most probable estimate being a few hours, depending on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity.
“The virus tends to survive longer in moist, cool environments,” Wootton noted. In general, hot and arid conditions are unfavorable for the virus and beneficial for us.
Here’s more encouraging news: A recent review of numerous studies on various coronaviruses reveals that disinfecting surfaces is highly effective at eliminating the virus.
Which items should I be cautious about?
Library books are generally safe, according to Wootton, but surfaces frequently touched by many people require extra attention. “Focus on high-touch, high-contact areas,” Chang advised.
Water fountains, gym equipment, shopping carts, door handles, and daycare toys are all potential hotspots for germs. On the other hand, items like books and comforters, which are rarely shared, present a lower risk. To stay safe, discourage your toddler from mouthing toys and be cautious when handling frequently touched objects. If you come into contact with potentially unclean items, wash your hands thoroughly afterward and avoid touching your face.
Additionally, the World Health Organization states that the risk of transmission from packages shipped over several days or weeks is very low.
One item that absolutely requires cleaning: your phone. We take our phones everywhere, touch them countless times a day, making them a prime collector of all the germs we encounter daily.
If available, UV disinfection boxes are effective for sanitizing. Alternatively, a lint-free cloth lightly moistened with a 1:1 mix of 70% isopropyl alcohol and water will suffice.
What’s the best way to clean to prevent illness?
“Soft surfaces aren’t as much of a concern,” Wootton mentioned. “Concentrate on high-touch hard surfaces like door handles and kitchen counters.”
At places like the gym, it’s crucial to sanitize equipment after use. Disinfecting wipes commonly found in gyms are effective, Chang noted, provided they contain isopropyl alcohol or benzyl ammonium chloride. The alcohol kills germs, while the benzyl ammonium chloride eliminates dirt and pathogens.
It’s crucial to allow surfaces to air dry after applying a disinfectant. Avoid using a towel immediately afterward, as this reduces the time the alcohol needs to effectively kill the virus.
For detailed instructions, the CDC has provided guidelines on cleaning and disinfecting households. Cleaning involves removing germs and dirt from surfaces, which, while not killing germs, reduces the risk of spreading infections. Disinfecting, on the other hand, uses chemicals to eliminate germs on surfaces.
The CDC advises wearing gloves to clean dirty surfaces with detergent, followed by disinfecting with either a diluted bleach solution or an alcohol solution containing at least 70% alcohol. Ensure you use these products in a well-ventilated area.
For laundry, the CDC suggests washing items as usual, using the warmest water possible, and drying them completely. Keep in mind that viruses struggle to survive in hot, dry environments, making the dryer an excellent tool for eliminating them.
How frequently should cleaning be done?
“Aim to clean high-touch surfaces at least once a day,” Chang advised.
Embrace your inner cleanliness enthusiast, get cleaning, and always remember to wash your hands thoroughly.
