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Updated: May 1, 2026
Monitoring Influenza Virus Survival Outside the Host Using Real-Time Cell Analysis
Published on: February 20, 2021
The survival of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus on 4 household surfaces
John Oxford1, Eitan N Berezin2, Patrice Courvalin3
1Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, St Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
We investigated the survival of a pandemic strain of influenza A H1N1 on a variety of common household surfaces where multiple samples were taken from 4 types of common household fomite at 7 time points. Results showed that influenza A H1N1sw virus particles remained infectious for 48 hours on a wooden surface, for 24 hours on stainless steel and plastic surfaces, and for 8 hours on a cloth surface, although virus recovery from the cloth may have been suboptimal. Our results suggest that pandemic influenza A H1N1 can survive on common household fomites for extended periods of time, and that good hand hygiene and regular disinfection of commonly touched surfaces should be practiced during the influenza season to help reduce transmission.
Insights
Pandemic influenza A H1N1 survived up to 48 hours on household surfaces. Practicing hand hygiene and surface disinfection is crucial for reducing influenza transmission during flu season.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Influenza A H1N1 is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding virus survival on fomites is critical for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the survival time of pandemic influenza A H1N1 on common household surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Infectious influenza A H1N1 virus was applied to wooden, stainless steel, plastic, and cloth surfaces.
- Samples were collected at multiple time points over 48 hours.
- Virus infectivity was assessed.
Main Results:
- Influenza A H1N1 remained infectious for 48 hours on wood, 24 hours on stainless steel and plastic, and 8 hours on cloth.
- Virus recovery from cloth surfaces may have been suboptimal.
Conclusions:
- Pandemic influenza A H1N1 can persist on household fomites for extended periods.
- Emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene and surface disinfection during influenza season to mitigate transmission.
