What is the survival time of Influenza A (H1N1) virus on surfaces?

From the Guidelines

Influenza A (H1N1) virus can survive on surfaces for 24-48 hours on hard nonporous surfaces and less than 8-12 hours on porous materials. To minimize the risk of transmission, it is essential to:

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly, as the virus can persist on these surfaces for an extended period 1
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching potentially contaminated surfaces
• Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth, to prevent the introduction of the virus into the body
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water aren't available, as these can effectively kill the virus on hands The survival time of the virus on surfaces is influenced by the type of surface, with nonporous surfaces like countertops allowing the virus to remain viable for longer periods compared to porous materials like cloth or paper 1. Additionally, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity can impact the survival time of the virus, with wet surfaces allowing the virus to survive for longer periods 1. It is crucial to focus on good hygiene practices, including regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals to minimize the risk of transmission.

From the Research

Survival Time of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus on Surfaces

• The survival time of Influenza A (H1N1) virus on surfaces varies depending on the type of surface, with virus particles remaining infectious for:
  • 48 hours on wooden surfaces 2
  • 24 hours on stainless steel and plastic surfaces 2, 3
  • 8 hours on cloth surfaces 2
• Other studies have found that influenza A virus can survive on surfaces for extended periods, including:
  • Up to months on certain surfaces 4
  • 24-48 hours on hard, nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic 3
• The virus can also be transferred from surfaces to hands, with measurable quantities of influenza A virus being transferred from stainless steel surfaces to hands for 24 hours and from tissues to hands for up to 15 minutes 3
• Factors influencing the survival of the virus on surfaces include strain variation, surface type, suspending medium, mode of deposition, temperature, and relative humidity 4

Environmental Deposition and Transmission

• Influenza A (H1N1) virus can be deposited into the environment by infected individuals, with virus detected on surfaces and in air samples 5, 6
• The importance of indirect contact transmission (involving contamination of inanimate surfaces) is uncertain, but emerging data suggest that contact transmission may be a significant route of transmission in some scenarios 5, 4
• Good hand hygiene and regular disinfection of commonly touched surfaces are recommended to help reduce transmission 2, 4