Flu Virus Can Remain Infectious In Refrigerated Raw Milk For Upto 5 Days, Proves Study

A new study from Stanford University reveals that the influenza virus can remain infectious in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days. Reportedly, researchers tested the survival of the H1N1 influenza strain in Cow’s raw milk. It found that the virus stayed viable at typical refrigeration temperatures for several days. Additionally, viral RNA, which carries genetic information but isn’t a direct health risk, remained detectable in the milk for over 50 days. While pasteurisation effectively killed the virus, it didn't completely remove all viral RNA. The US Food and Drug Administration has tied raw milk to over 200 outbreaks of illnesses and warns that germs, such as E. coli and Salmonella, in raw milk present ‘serious’ health risks, especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.