How are cold viruses spread and how long can the germs live on a surface?

Answer 1

The most common way to transfer germs is through physical contact if somebody with the virus touches your hand and then you touch your own nose and or eyes (without washing your hands).
It can also be passed on by a surface such as a door handle. A cool, moist glass in the shade may retain many kinds of rhinovirus or coronavirus for days. Compounds that are dry, sun-baked and covered with vengris and zinc compounds, are bad for most microbes and they are not as germy.

The largest causes of colds are rhinoviruses. Rhinoviruses are any of a group of picornavirus, which are only moderately stable. The diseases Picornaviruses cause are varied, ranging from acute "common-cold"-like illnesses, to chronic infections in livestock. Drought and ultraviolet light in open sunshine generally render most surfaces safe quite quickly. A cozy damp dark place, though, may harbor the germs for days, unless it is infested with decay bacteria that digest viruses along with the nutritious chow that they feed upon.

Therefore, to avoid infection in a viral epidemic, it would be best to wash your hands and avoid touching your face as much as possible.

Answer 2

Cold viruses are spread by air, skin to skin contact, kissing, sharing glasses etc. It's very easy to spread a cold.
The viruses can live on surfaces for absolute days sometimes. Some people choose to use a disinfectant spray on regular household items to help kill the virus and stop the spread of colds, but I argue with this. I don't use them as I feel that we need to be subject to these viruses to help our own immune systems build up a natural immunity against them. I haven't had a cold for two years now and the flu for about 6 years.
Anyways, good luck.

Answer 3

Viruses are tricky little boogers. They can be spread by air, fluid, or physical contact. They aren't picky. They'll do whatever it takes to find a new host. And the human body is just what they are looking for! Lifespan of a virus on a surface depends on the virus/bacteria. WebMD is a great source of info on the life span of any particular virus/ bacteria.

Answer 4

The cold germ is easily spread... You can buy stuff at the drug store / chemist to rub on your hands to protect you from the cold germ. Vicks - first defence foam - its great stuff. Kills the cold germ on your hands last for a few hours or until you wash your hands so you need to then re apply.

Answer 5

Yes the easiest way to catch a cold from someone else or give it to someone else is by close contact. Other day had someone come over a health worker that helps me out and she was coughing and sick and it was smart, my mom made her leave cause I would not want to get sick. Make sure another type if you have a cough to cover your mouth. If you Sneeze make sure to use a kleenex and blow your nose and throw it away cause even with touching peoples kleenex is another close contact thing.