A study by Swiss scientists revealed that the flu virus can survive on banknotes for more than two weeks.

Yves Thomas, head of the National Influenza Research Centre at Geneva University Hospital was asked by a Swiss bank to carry out the study.

Scientists have long known that various types of germs and bacteria can survive on paper currency, but most medical experts had thought that the flu virus usually only spreads through airborne transmission. The new research revealed that certain strains of flu virus, especially the H3N2 variety, can remain active and alive for up to 17 days, as compared to the more benign H1N1 influenza A virus that lasts only a matter of hours.

“Our studies have convinced us that it is possible to catch flu from banknotes, but the chances are very, very slim and there is no cause for concern among the general population. All the same time , bank employees and others who have to handle large quantities of notes daily could be at risk” said Thomas.

Concerns about banknotes being a medium for transmission of disease and viruses has been heightened in recent years over the uncertainty of humans contracting the “bird flu” virus, and possible government responses to any potential pandemic threat, although the Swiss study did not seek samples of the deadly bird flu H5N1 virus for its testing

“This unexpected resilience of the virus suggests that this sort of inert, non-biological support should not be overlooked in pandemic planning,” chief researcher Yves Thomas said. “…it is clear that in theory, the virus could infect people handling infected banknotes and then touching their noses or mouths.”

No research was conducted on the potential transmission of viruses through the use of coinage.