How long do sv* germs...

[princessmel]

stay on surfaces? Iknow this question was probably asked several times, but I forgot. [img]smileys/smilies_12.gif[/img]

[princessmel]

is anyone there?

[kellybean]

Hey Mel, I think on hard surfaces, they can live for up to two weeks. It doesn't mean they will live for that long, I think most of them live for several hours only. Longer in a wet enviroment such as sponges. This is what I remember hearing not long ago.

[princessmel]

Well, I'm going to my mil's in about 45 min, and she just got over one last Monday. We're eating dinner there. I know she's better now. What do you think? I have bad PMS right now, so I'm very paranoid about everything.

[crystalmom]

I don't think that I have ever heard that they can live on hard surfaces for more than a couple hours. Maybe, in the perfect conditions, (for them), they could live a couple days, but I wouldn't worry about that.


I know PMS can make everything feel worse, but remember it's the PMS playing with ya!


You'll be fine, I promise!


Crystal

[princessmel]

Thanks guys. I just got back. Dinner was so good.[img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]

[MEEMER]

I was so glad to read that I am not the only one that worries about the sv.


You were very brave to go eat at your MIL's Mel. I would have been nervous too.


I would like to know how long the germs live too. I have become such a germophobe this winter with 2 kids. I feel like I need therapy. Thank goodness I have you guys to come too when I feel like the only one on earth with this phobia.

[stella9]

Different viruses/bacterias live on surfaces at different rates. I have been doing a ton of research on the Bird Flu (yes, getting my germaphobia in place for the biggie) and from what the "experts" convey - influenza viruses live in the air and on surfaces for several hours. Although viruses need a host to survive, they are able to do so for several hours without the host. Cold, dry environments extend the shelf-life of the viruses, which explains why they survive so well in the winter months.


I hate svs. I am scared to death of the Bird Flu. A pandemic is evident and the trickle down will be tremendous from International trade (of which the US gets 80% of goods from countries outside of our natural borders), to health care and the lack of medical supplies and medical staff to loss of life. It is very very frightening.


Stella