I was diagnosed with a bacterial infection in my upper resperatory tract yesterday, and I felt like shit…I couldn’t talk, I was coughing up phlem (sp?) and other nasties so my mind was drifting. So, I started thinking about something.
How long do bacteria and viruses live outside of their host?
From what I remember of Biology 10, Viruses last longer than bacteria. But I was thinking about this. Lets say I was on a business trip and staying in a hotel and I had a cold. I know most hotels change the sheets after a stay, but I also know that not all change the other bedding. Would that person be at risk of catching my cold? How about what I have now, a sickness from caused by a bacteria. Would the bacterium die shortly after it is out of its warm, moist cozy home called my Trachea? How long would it be a threat to others? 1 hour? 6? 24?
Surely some of the great minds on the board must know the answers to these questions.
Thanks!
Signed, a sick bernse.