 [ Symptoms ] how long will germs stay on surfaces  my husband has influenza a i am trying to sanitize as much as i can and keep things clean how long to germs normally stay on surfaces [ Disease ] children tend to have weaker less challenged immune systems they also have a lower level of personal hygiene like hand washing and tend to congregate in groups of other children who share the same characteristics most seasonal outbreaks of influenza start in the schools or day care