Cold, flu, and Covid season is upon us, and that means it’s more important than ever to keep our homes and workplaces clean and disinfected. Germs can spread easily during this time of the year, especially on high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. Cleaning and disinfecting these surfaces can help to reduce the risk of getting sick.
According to CMMOnline.com, Cleaning and Maintenance Management from October 27, 2023, Jordan Bastian, a senior infection preventionist with CloroxPro’s Clinical and Scientific Affairs team, recommends the best defense for facilities is to take a three-step approach in their plan to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses via contaminated surfaces:
- Ensure effective and efficient cleaning and disinfecting protocols are in place, including clear directions for who cleans and disinfects which spaces, at what time, and with what products.
- Make the most of your disinfectants by implementing a targeted approach. “I recommend doing this by focusing daily cleaning and disinfection efforts on high-touch surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks,” Bastain said. “Also focus on high-traffic areas—for example, classrooms, restrooms, break rooms, and frequently-used conference rooms.”
- Choose the right disinfectant for each space, making sure your selection includes products that are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to kill pathogens of concern. “I also recommend products that are ready-to-use as they eliminate the dilution step, making disinfecting more efficient, which is especially important in resource-constrained environments,” said Bastian.
Viruses and bacteria that cause the common cold and the flu can live on surfaces for hours or even days. This means that if someone who is sick touches a surface, the virus or bacteria can spread to other people who touch the same surface. Cleaning and disinfecting can help remove and kill these germs, making it less likely to spread the infections.
Read the full article here to learn more about the best defense to the cold and flu season.