Is it true that once germs become dry, they can on longer be harmful?

Question

EX: Someone with the flu coughs & covers their mouth with their hand. & then touches a doorknob. Once the cold germs on the doorknob dry, & later, someone else opens the door, would they be less likely to catch the flu, as opposed to the door being wet?

Answer 1

It depends on the germ.  Some germs are basicallys just seeds that can be in stasis forever.  Some germs are so fragile they aren't contageous.  In the case of influenze (the flu), I think you're right.