I was taught (in sunday school and later in a college class) that 40 in the bible just meant "an extended period" or "a relatively large amount," and something not to be taken literally. Interesting to hear this other meaning.
40 days - See also the origin of the word “quarantine”
https://www.vocabulary.com/articles/wordroutes/40-days-of-solitude-the-origin-story-of-quarantine/