John Boyce : Hands contaminated with virus often carry the flu . He says viruses can live for hours on various surfaces . Smith : People need to wash hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds . The rapid spread of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus ( also known as swine flu ) from Mexico to at least 19 other countries in less than 10 days is a cause of major concern . He says water - based sanitizers can work in the absence of a sink .
John Boyce : Hands contaminated with virus often carry the flu . He says viruses can live for hours on various surfaces . Smith : People need to wash hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds . He says water - based sanitizers can work in the absence of a sink .