The answer to the first question is that it depends on the surfaces.
However, newer research suggests that risk may be higher than previously thought, particularly in households.
It also explores whether newer virus variants increase the risk and which disinfectants are most effective in preventing infection.
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Most transmissions occur when people breathe in these infected airborne droplets or particles.
The passing of the virus by this means is calledfomite transmission.
As long as the virus is alive, there is a potential for transmission if certain criteria are met.
How Long Does the COVID Virus Live in the Air?
Surfaces in Car
The survival of the virus that causes COVID-19 may be somewhat different in cars.
This is because the expelled droplets in the fibers of porous materials evaporate more quickly.
In fact, certain mutations appear to make the virusless fitfor survival once it is outside of the body.
In fact, the Omicron variant is largely regarded to be less pathogenic than even the preceding Delta variant.
Some researchers argue that the risk of fomite transmission may be higher than previously thought.
A 2023 study published inLancet Microbemonitored 279 households in which one member was diagnosed with COVID-19.
Does Disinfection Shorten Coronavirus Life on Surfaces?
But only certain types of disinfectants are considered effective in eradicating the virus from surfaces.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal body that regulates disinfectants in the United States.
Products intended for this purpose must be registered with the EPA.
You’ll find the number posted after “EPA REG NO.”
The same applies to washing clothes with regular laundry detergent.
However good hand hygiene and cleaning surfaces regularly are still beneficial to reduce the risk further.
Temperature, humidity, and UV light exposure also influence survival times.
Even so, public health officials say that the risk of infection from touched surfaces is low.
To reduce the risk, wash your hands and clean surfaces regularly with soap and water.
If you decide to use disinfectants, opt for those that have been registered with the EPA.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): how COVID-19 spreads.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Science brief: SARS-CoV-2 and surface (fomite) transmission for indoor community environments.
doi:10.1097/INF.0000000000003497
Environmental Protection Agency.List N tool: COVID-19 disinfectants.
Environmental Protection Agency.Cleaning and disinfecting: best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
