Glenda Washington, a cashier, is more likely to catch the flu than say one of her customers, according to a new study. The National Influenza Research Center found cashiers and others who work with large quantities of cash are more vulnerable to the virus.

"We know obviously when someone coughs and covers his mouth and then touches other things, the flu virus may be on for some period of time,” said Dr. Marc Tribble, an infectious disease specialist.

Until now, medical experts only thought the flu was transmitted through the air. Now there's proof the virus survives on paper.

"I thought it was interesting one of the varieties of flu lasted for three days on a dollar bill. That’s much longer than we would have expected,” said Tribble.

Tribble says handwashing is the best method of prevention.

"Whether it’s pieces of paper or dollar bills at the bank, you got to be aware that sick people may be passing around the virus,” he said.

Washington says she's been practicing good hygiene.

"Money has germs. During the course of a day, I just put some of this (sanitizer) on my hand. This is my best friend,” she said.

Tribble said bank tellers and cashiers don't need to wear gloves or protective masks. He said a bottle of hand sanitizer should do the trick.