7 Healthcast: Flu money

The flu virus could be lurking in your wallet. A research center in Switzerland says the virus can stay alive on dollar bills.

Glenda Washington is more likely to catch the flu than say one of her customers.

In a study the National Influenza Research Center found cashiers and others who work with large quantities of cash are more vulnerable to the flu.

"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.

But 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.

Dr. Tribble says hand washing is the best method of prevention.

"Whether its pieces of paper or dollar bills at the bank, you got to be aware that sick people may be passing around the virus," Dr. Tribble said.

Dr. Tribble says that bank tellers and cashiers don't need to wear gloves or protective masks, he says hand sanitizers will do fine.

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