The Shocking Truth About COVID-19: How Long It REALLY Survives On Surfaces Revealed

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect millions of people worldwide, there is still a lot we do not know about this deadly virus. One question that has been on many people’s minds is how long the virus can survive on surfaces.

COVID-19 is caused by a type of coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. This virus is spread from person-to-person when an infected individual talks, coughs, or sneezes, releasing droplets that contain the virus. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby or be inhaled into the lungs.

In addition to direct contact with an infected person, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warn that COVID-19 can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. This is known as fomite transmission.

So, how long does COVID-19 survive on surfaces? The answer is not a simple one. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus can survive for several hours and even days on surfaces, depending on various factors.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the virus can survive for up to 72 hours on stainless steel surfaces and up to 8 hours on copper surfaces. The study also found that the virus survived for up to 24 hours on cardboard surfaces.

Another study published in the journal The Lancet found that the virus survived for up to 14 days on plastic surfaces and up to 7 days on wooden surfaces.

It is worth noting that the survival of the virus on surfaces can depend on several factors, including the type of surface, the temperature and humidity, and the presence of light. The virus is more likely to survive for longer periods on non-porous surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic, compared to porous surfaces such as cardboard and wood.

So, what does this mean for you? To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 through contact with contaminated surfaces, it is essential to practice good hygiene. This includes washing your hands frequently with soap and water, disinfecting surfaces regularly, and avoiding touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.

It is also important to note that the risk of contracting COVID-19 from a contaminated surface is low if the surface has been properly cleaned and disinfected. The CDC recommend using a solution of water and bleach to disinfect surfaces.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is more important than ever to stay informed about the virus and how it spreads. By practicing good hygiene and taking steps to reduce the risk of transmission, we can all play our part in keeping ourselves and our communities safe.