Study: Harmful germs can live on plane surfaces

Many times, people are concerned when someone coughs or sneezes next to them on an airplane.

But now it seems what you can't see or hear can also hurt you.

Researchers tested how long the harmful bacteria known as MRSA and E.Coli could survive on plane surfaces.

MRSA survived a full week on the seat pocket, while E. Coli survived four days on an armrest.

There is no way of telling whether this would definitely cause an infection, but the research could lead to better ways to disinfect planes.

It also raises questions about the MERS virus. Some studies show it can survive for up to 48 hours on surfaces.