How Long Does the Coronavirus Last on Surfaces?

At present, the longest incubation period of the new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) is basically about two weeks. More and more people are concerned about how long the virus can survive in the external environment after leaving the human body. In early February, Guangzhou detected the new coronavirus nucleic acid on the door handle of the diagnosed patient for the first time.

COVID-19 Series

Recently, a study published in "Hospital Infection" provides us with a reference. The study showed that if the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has similarities with its family members, then it may survive on inanimate objects for more than a week.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "It is unclear whether a person can contract the virus by touching the surface of a virus-bearing object and then touching his mouth, nose, or eyes."

The research team said that currently little is known about the SARS-CoV-2 virus, so it turned to other coronavirus family members to find answers.

Coronaviruses are a large class of viruses that can infect people and animals. Civets, bats, bamboo rats, badgers, etc. are common hosts for coronaviruses. Animal coronaviruses rarely infect humans, and if the virus mutates, it acquires the ability to infect humans.

There are seven known human coronaviruses, four of which (229E, NL63, OC43, and KHU1) are common and cause mild to moderate respiratory infections, such as the common cold; and can also cause otitis media in children. These diseases can be dealt with by rest and over-the-counter medication. Three other coronaviruses—Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), SARS, and now SARS-CoV-2 can cause severe symptoms and can even kill people.

In this study, a research team led by the University of Greifswald in Germany reviewed the literature on all available human and animal viruses in the coronavirus family, covering 22 studies. They found that human pathogens can persist on the surface of objects and remain infectious at room temperature for up to 9 days. But at temperatures above 30 ° C, the duration is shorter.




Coronavirus (except SARS-CoV-2) activity on the surface of different types of objects. Data source: "Hospital Infection"

Of course, this is the upper limit of coronavirus life. But researchers say that on average, the virus can survive on materials such as aluminum, wood, paper, plastic, and glass for 4 to 5 days. Some animal coronaviruses can even survive for more than 28 days.

The first author of the study, Gunter Kampf, a physician at the University of Greifswald University Hospital, said: "Low temperatures and high air humidity will further extend their lifespan."

In order to reduce the spread of coronavirus as a whole, the authors recommend that hospitals carefully disinfect the surface of the object with various solutions made of sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide or ethanol, and express that the World Health Organization ’s recommendations for SARS and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome effective.

The results of these studies were originally customized for future textbooks, but in this case, the author believes that it is best to publish the findings in advance. They believe that the results of this study may also be extended to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Eike Steinmann, a virologist at Leibniz University in Hanover, said: "Analysis of different coronaviruses has similar results."

However, no SARS-CoV-2 was found among the coronaviruses analyzed in this study. The team stated that they had no data on COVID-19 patients being infected after contact with contaminated surfaces.

The study shows that MERS is not as easy to spread from person to person as other coronaviruses, but when SARS infected people sneeze or cough, the spread will be quite effective. If the mucus falls on the surface, it will later contaminate the person contacted, even if the contact occurs a few days after the initial exposure.

Considering the threat of SARS-CoV-2, wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and ensuring disinfection in public areas are still effective protective measures.

Kampf explained: “For example, in hospitals, these can be door handles, call buttons, bedside tables, bed frames and other nearby objects, usually made of metal or plastic.”