Feeling under the weather? You're not alone. The flu can turn your bed into a breeding ground for misery, but did you know a common bedroom item could be harboring the virus longer than you think? Let's dive in. When I recently battled the flu, my bed transformed into a fortress of tissues and a symphony of coughs. It got me thinking: just how long does the flu virus actually linger on our bedding and mattresses? And does the material matter? I reached out to Dr. Emma Lin, a Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Physician, for some expert insights. Here's what she shared... Dr. Lin, also the CEO of Aimvein, is a board-certified specialist in lung and sleep issues. Her work explores how flu viruses affect our breathing and sleep quality. She's also a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. So, how long can the flu survive on your bed? "The flu is a respiratory virus spread through coughs, sneezes, and breathing," Dr. Lin explains. "It can definitely stick around on your bedding if those droplets land there." Even with the best efforts, those droplets of snot and phlegm (sorry, TMI!) often end up on our sheets and pillows. But here's where it gets controversial... According to Dr. Lin, the flu virus can survive longer than you might imagine: "On bed sheets and pillowcases, it can live for a few hours up to 24 hours. On mattresses and bed frames, it might last up to 48 hours. I warn patients that if a person coughs or sweats in bed, the virus will remain on the bed long enough to re-expose you when you’re ill." Basically, not cleaning your bedding frequently when you're sick could prolong your illness. "Being re-exposed to the same virus can worsen your coughing, chest tightness, and airway irritation, especially at night," Dr. Lin adds. The type of bedding matters, too. Pillows, sheets, and mattresses are made from various materials and manufacturing processes. These factors influence how long the flu virus survives. "Pillows and comforters are areas where heat and moisture are retained due to breathing and sweating," Dr. Lin explains. "Viruses thrive in such environments. Cotton sheets, however, dry faster, which reduces the virus's lifespan." Remember how my bed felt like a giant flu bomb? Turns out, I wasn't far off. "Mattresses absorb fluids and are rarely cleaned, making them potential reservoirs for microorganisms like flu viruses." That's why regularly cleaning your mattress is crucial. Don't forget the bed frame and headboard, either; they could also be harboring the virus. So, how often should you wash your bedding when you have the flu? When you're battling the flu, the last thing you want to do is laundry. However, washing your sheets frequently is key to preventing re-infection. Dr. Lin advises, "I tell my patients to change bed sheets and pillowcases every one to two days. Use hot water and dry them thoroughly. Comforters should be washed at least once during the illness or covered with a washable cover. This limits the amount of virus surrounding your face and air passages and prevents re-infections. I regularly notice that my patients sleep better as a result of following this." And this is the part most people miss... To sleep better with the flu, Dr. Lin suggests: * Elevating your head to ease coughing and congestion. * Using saline nasal spray to clear nasal passages. * Staying hydrated with fluids to thin mucus. * Managing fever for proper rest. * Keeping bedding clean to avoid breathing in virus particles. * Maintaining a comfortable, not overly dry, room climate. "Sleeping helps fight off the infection. Poor sleep slows down the healing process." What do you think? Are you surprised by how long the flu virus can live on bedding? Do you have any tips for staying healthy during flu season? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Claire, a Certified Sleep Science Coach and the Managing Editor of Sleep at Tom's Guide, contributed to this information. She has extensive experience and is connected to a wealth of sleep experts. She is also certified to advise people on how to choose a mattress that suits their needs and budget, as well as helping them to create a nighttime routine and bedroom environment that helps them sleep better.
