Flu is a drama queen about temperature. At room temperature (around 70°F), it lasts up to 12 hours on fabric. Crank the heat to 85°F? The virus melts like a snow cone.
How Long Do Flu Viruses Survive On Objects? - YouTube
Cold and damp? That’s the virus’s happy place. High humidity (like a steamy bathroom) makes it last longer on towels. Low humidity? It shrivels up and dies.
So if you’re sick, don’t toss your blankets in a cold, dark closet. Throw them in the dryer on high heat. Poof—bye-bye, flu.
Fun Party Fact to Share
Did you know the 1918 flu pandemic spread partly through wool blankets in army hospitals? Scientists found the virus could live on fabric for over a day back then. We’ve come a long way—now we know to wash our gym bags.
Here’s the weirdest part: Your own body heat can reactivate the virus on fabric. If you sit on a cold, contaminated sofa and warm it up with your butt, the virus might perk up. Yes, your butt is a germ incubator. You’re welcome.
