DATA
Enter
HUFFINGTON
02.09.14
You’ll Want to Wash Your Hands
Immediately After Reading This
Germaphobes, you may be on to
something. Bacteria and viruses can lurk
on surfaces long after they’re expelled
in an infected person’s sneeze or snot.
It depends on a number of factors:
the humidity, temperature and type of
surface. Ahead, see how long the most
infamous microorganisms are able to
survive on a surface — as well as their
“loves” and “hates.” — Amanda L. Chan
1W
4W
E
LOVES
2W
S
EEK
EEK
HATES
SURVIVAL
TIME
ON A
SURFACE
EEK
E KS
3W
S
TAP FOR TEXT
Rhinovirus
The common
cold
Influenza
The flu
E. Coli
Food
poisoning
MRSA
Antibiotic
resistant bacteria
Salmonella
Food
poisoning
DIRTY SURFACES THAT CAN MAKE YOU SICK
Fridge water
dispenser
Rubber
spatula
Blender
Sink faucet
handles
Microwave
door handles
TAP FOR CREDITS
Norovirus
Stomach
flu
Hepatitis A
Food
poisoning
These places are especially good at
storing dangerous microorganisms
Keyboards
Gas pump
handles
Mailbox
handles
Escalator
rails