Influenza Virus and Household Cleaning
Reducing the Spread of the Flu Virus by Maintaining a Clean Home
Nov 2, 2009
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), influenza or the flu virus is a contagious respiratory illness that can vary in severity depending on an individual’s age, pre-existing conditions and overall health. Symptoms can range in degree from mild to severe – and in some cases result in death. The flu vaccine is recommended by the CDC, but it only offers increased immune protection from the influenza virus against the three most common strains. Even with the flu shot, it is possible to contract influenza.
Next to work, the home is where an individual or family spends the most time – which can be a breeding ground for germs, bacteria and the influenza virus. Once a person in the home contracts the flu, others are at increased risk for contracting the illness. Cleaning home surfaces and practicing specific healthy habits are essential to reducing the spread of the virus to others in the home.
The Influenza Virus Outside the Body
All viruses have the capacity to survive outside the body for a period of time ranging from a few minutes to hours. On average, the flu virus can survive on surfaces from two to eight hours. Also, it is thought viruses have the capacity to survive on non-porous surfaces more easily and longer than porous surfaces.
Cleaning Products and Ingredients that Kill the Flu Virus
Maintaining a clean home is key to preventing the contraction and spread of the influenza virus. However, certain cleaning items are able to disinfect surfaces and kill the influenza virus, such as:
- Bleach
- Alcohols
- Chlorine
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Anti-microbial products/germicides
Household Surface Cleaning and Preventing the Spread of Influenza
Cleaning household surfaces regularly with the above products can prevent the contamination of surfaces and limit the risk of contracting influenza. However, once a household member contracts the virus. additional steps should be taken to prevent the spread of the flu virus.
- Clean surfaces after use – especially if contact was shared with an individual who contracted the virus.
- Clean all household surfaces regularly. Focus on bedside tables, doorknobs, kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Typically these areas will contain the highest levels of the flu virus, other viruses, germs and bacteria.
- Clean toys to prevent the spread of the virus to other children and individuals in the household.
Tissues, Waste and Other Contaminated Surfaces
Helping a member of the household who is sick is unavoidable, but increases the personal risk taken for contacting the flu virus. Specific steps should be taken to decrease the risk of contracting influenza when in contact with a sick individual.
- Keep tissues, paper towels and other throwaway objects in a trash bin lined with a plastic garbage bag. By limiting contact with these items, the risk of contracting the virus is decreased.
- Avoid contact with contaminated linens, towels and cloths by washing them in the hottest water possible immediately.
- Clean dishes and utensils in hot water and soap either by hand or in the dishwasher immediately. This prevents the virus from surviving for long periods of time and prevents transfer to other surfaces.
- Wash you hands with anti-microbial soap and water or clean with hand sanitizer containing alcohol each time contact is made with an individual who has contracted the flu virus.
Surviving the Flu Season
Even though there is virtually no way to prevent being exposed to the influenza virus outside the home, there are steps that can be taken to prevent contacting and spreading the flu inside the home. By using cleaning products containing ingredients able to kill influenza and specially designated cleaning products, the risk of spreading illness can be decreased.
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