Guarding Your Family's Health
Flu season has arrived, bringing with it a wave of illnesses that seem to permeate our communities. It's a time when viruses like COVID-19, the flu, and other contagious infections tend to thrive 🤒🌧
As a cleaning business that works in spaces cleaning up after young children, vulnerable individuals and hard working families, we have a vested interest in our clients health and wellbeing. Let's explore the world of surface transmission of viruses, including COVID-19 and the flu, and discover personalised cleaning measures that will help create a healthier environment for your family.
Minimise the risk of viruses in your home this flu season
Read on to find out up to date statistics on how viruses spread, stay on surfaces and preventative measures you can start implementing today.
Surface Transmission: How Viruses Spread 😷
Viruses, such as COVID-19 and the flu, can survive on surfaces and play a significant role in their transmission. It's important to remember that each virus has its unique characteristics when it comes to survival on surfaces. Let's take a closer look at two of the most prevalent viruses:
COVID-19: Studies have shown that COVID-19 can linger on surfaces for hours to days, depending on various factors. Surfaces like plastic and stainless steel can harbour the virus for up to 72 hours, while cardboard tends to host it for around 24 hours. Interestingly, copper possesses antimicrobial properties that limit the virus's lifespan to just a few hours.
Influenza (Flu): The flu virus is another formidable foe that can survive on surfaces for a certain period. On average, the flu virus can persist on surfaces for up to 48 hours, albeit generally shorter than COVID-19. The specific duration may vary depending on the surface material and surrounding conditions.
Cleaning Strategies 🧼
When it comes to protecting your family, maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is crucial in reducing the risk of viral transmission. Here’s what you can do in your home to beat the flu season
Regular Cleaning and Disinfection: Establish a cleaning routine that prioritises frequently touched surfaces. Take extra care to clean doorknobs, light switches, countertops, keyboards, phones, and any other items regularly used by your family.
Hand Hygiene: Encourage proper hand hygiene habits within your household. Remind your loved ones to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When hand washing isn't feasible, keep alcohol-based hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol content readily available.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in your home to promote fresh air circulation and minimise the concentration of viral particles. Open windows, use fans, and allow for proper airflow to help reduce the risk of viral transmission.
Education and Awareness: Empower your family with knowledge about respiratory etiquette. Teach them to cover their coughs and sneezes with tissues or their elbows, emphasising the importance of protecting others. Encourage anyone feeling unwell to stay home and rest, preventing the spread of viruses to those around them.
As winter brings forth a host of viral infections, your family's safety becomes paramount. By adopting personalised cleaning strategies and staying informed about the transmission of viruses on surfaces, you can create a haven of health within your home.
Swish Cleaning Services is here to support you every step of the way, offering professional services aligned with the latest scientific knowledge.
Together, let's navigate these challenging times and safeguard the well-being of your loved ones.
