That depends! Some bacteria and viruses can survive for weeks (like MRSA) or even months (like Mycobacterim tuberculosis) in the right conditions. Most germs you're likely to encounter do not survive longer than 24 hours, though.
Viruses which cause colds, flus, and stomach trouble generally will not survive longer than 24 hours on paper or hard surfaces.
If you're concerned about handling paper that someone sick has touched, or if you yourself are worried about passing on an illness, you may wish to set the paper aside for a day or two in a clean place. Unfortunately, paper with ink on it can't really be disinfected like a hard surface.
If you are handling paper a sick person has touched, be sure to wash your hands after touching the paper and avoid touching your nose or mouth until your hands are clean. If you yourself are sick, wash your hands before touching paper you plan to give to someone else.
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