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Flu season is here, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 6 million people have caught infuenza nationwide. The best way to protect yourself is by getting vaccinated.
If someone in your home does get the flu, it can linger on some surfaces for up to 48 hours, according to the CDC. Thankfully there are many cleaning products available to kill the flu virus and lower the risk of it spreading.
"Light switches, doorknobs, TV remote controls, tabletops," Julie Warner, an infection prevention manager at Mercy, recently listed out to KYTV. She recommends, when buying cleaning products, to look at the labels to make sure they kill influenza.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting vs. Sanitizing
From the CDC:
- Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.
- Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.
- Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements. This process works by either cleaning or disinfecting surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.
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Understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
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In the News
Experts Say Disinfecting Your Home Can Help Stop Spread the Flu (KYTV)
- An infection prevention manager at Mercy says the flu peak season is just getting started.
39-Year-Old Man Nearly Dies of Flu - Now Shares His Story
- After nearly two months in the hospital followed by three weeks in a nursing home, Charlie Hinderliter is sharing his flu story in an effort to keep others from experiencing the same complications.
Flu is on the rise, but typical for February (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
- Flu and other virus activity continues to rise, prompting school closures and doctor visits.
