from Pediatrics Infectious Disease Journal
Children’s toys may be a link to passing viral infections. Previous studies have found viral contamination on shared toys in homes, daycares and doctor’s offices, but a new study from Georgia State University shows how long viruses, such as the flu, can survive on objects such as toys. Researchers were able to recover infectious viral particles from toys up to twenty-four hours. Lead author of the article in the Pediatrics Infectious Disease Journal, Richard Bearden says toys that are shared should be decontaminated often, but toys are not the only surfaces where viruses can lurk. He says door handles and elevator buttons are among other commonly shared surfaces. Household bleach, he says, is among the best cleaning solutions.