Short Wave Coronavirus Can Live On Surfaces For Days. What That Really Means
Mar 18, 2020
Allison Aubrey, an NPR health correspondent known for her expertise in public health, dives into how long the coronavirus can survive on surfaces, revealing it can persist for up to 72 hours on plastic. She discusses the implications of this finding on transmission risks, especially compared to respiratory droplets. The conversation emphasizes the role of asymptomatic carriers, making containment efforts challenging, and offers practical tips for effective hygiene practices, focusing on disinfecting everyday items like smartphones.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Coronavirus Survival on Surfaces
- A new study found the novel coronavirus can survive up to 72 hours on some surfaces.
- This study was conducted in a lab with stable conditions, and real-world factors like sunlight might kill the virus faster.
Virus Transmission via Surfaces
- The virus can spread through coughs and sneezes, landing on surfaces like doorknobs and handrails.
- Touching these surfaces and then your face can potentially spread the virus.
Novel Coronavirus vs. SARS Virus
- A study compared the novel coronavirus's survival time to the SARS virus.
- Both viruses behave similarly, surviving up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel, and 24 hours on cardboard.