However, good hand hygiene practices coupled with the use of antibacterial wipes reduced the spread of the virus by between 80 and 99 per cent according to Dr Charles Gerba, who presented the research to the American Society for Microbiology.
"Viral contamination in facilities occurs quickly and a simple intervention can greatly help to reduce exposure to viruses,' said Gerba. 'Disinfecting wipes containing quaternary ammonium compounds along with hand hygiene is an effective defence against viruses such as norovirus and flu."
Previous research has revealed that touching contaminated objects is the fastest way to spread a bug.
"Most people think it's coughing and sneezing that spreads germs, but the number of objects you touch is incredible in this push-button generation," said Gerba. 'The key message is to stay at home when you're sick."