The flu virus is a highly communicable disease that is known to spread very quickly, especially during the flu season. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which is known to survive outside the body for a certain period of time.

In this article, we will discuss the lifespan of the flu virus outside the body.

What is the Flu Virus?

The flu is caused by the influenza virus. It is a contagious respiratory illness that typically spreads from person to person through the air by coughing, sneezing, or talking.

When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, droplets containing the virus are released into the air, and they can land on other people’s noses or mouths.

How Long Can the Flu Virus Survive Outside the Body?

The lifespan of the flu virus outside the body depends on various factors such as temperature, humidity, and surface type. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours.

However, the lifespan of the virus can differ on different surfaces.

Flu Virus on Hard Surfaces

On hard surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, and desks, the flu virus can survive for up to 48 hours. Flu viruses can also survive on metal surfaces for up to 12 hours, on glass surfaces for up to 24 hours and on plastic surfaces for up to 48 hours.

Therefore, it is important to disinfect these surfaces regularly, especially during flu season.

Flu Virus on Soft Surfaces

The flu virus can also survive on soft surfaces such as fabric and paper. On porous surfaces like tissues and paper towels, the flu virus can survive for only a few minutes.

On non-porous surfaces like bed linens, the flu virus can survive for up to 12 hours and on soft, porous surfaces like clothing, the virus can survive for up to 24 hours. Therefore, it is important to wash your clothing and bed linens regularly, especially during flu season.

Preventing the Spread of the Flu Virus

Since the flu virus can survive outside the body for up to 48 hours, it is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. Here are some ways to prevent the spread of the flu virus:.

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading the virus
Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly with disinfectant

Conclusion

The flu virus is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can spread very quickly. The lifespan of the flu virus outside the body depends on various factors such as temperature, humidity, and surface type.

The flu virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, which is why it is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. By washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, staying home if you are sick, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces, you can help prevent the spread of the flu virus.