Video Story
Watch VideoYou can catch the flu from money
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: NBC
Published Fri Jan 18, 2008, 10:22 AM MST
Updated Fri Jan 18, 2008, 10:22 AM MST
If you are one of many people whose been dealing with a case of the flu lately you may have to look no farther than your wallet or an ATM to place blame.
A study found that cashiers and others who work with large quantities of cash are more vulnerable to the virus.
"We know obviously when someone coughs cover mouth when touches other things flu virus be on for some period of time," said infectious disease specialist Dr. Marc Tribble.
Until now medical experts only thought the flu was transmitted through the air. Now there's proof the virus is surviving on paper. "I thought it was interesting one of the varieties of flu lasted for 3 days on a dollar bill-- much longer than we would have expected," Dr. Tribble said.
Tribble says hand washing is the best method of prevention. "Whether it's pieces of paper or dollar bills at the bank, you've got to be aware that sick people may be passing around the virus."
Dr. Tribble also said bank tellers and cashiers don't need to wear gloves or protective masks. A bottle on hand sanitizer should do the trick for them.
