How To Avoid Colds and Flu: 3 Cleaning Tips
The cold and flu season is upon us so let’s revisit some cleaning strategies that will help you avoid colds and flu this winter!
Tip #1
Wash your hands – frequently. Hand washing is the cornerstone of any good hygiene program. Washing your hands with soap under warm running water for 20-25 seconds should do the trick. Just so you’re aware, studies have not shown any advantage to using antibacterial hand cleaner in normal use.
Tip #2
Next, be aware of and conscientiously clean frequent touch points throughout the home and workplace. These are the places that family members and co-workers touch regularly and can provide a great place to transfer germs from one hand to the next one touching the surface. They will include things like door handles, light switches, handrails, TV remotes, shared phones and so on. These tend to be the first things you touch, transferring any germs you have picked up from the outside (and inside) environment. Good cleaning on these touch points can go a long way towards preventing colds and flu in the workplace and at home.
Tip #3
When you clean those touch points, make sure to use a clean, fresh surface of your microfiber cloth or a fresh disinfecting wipe for each surface. Studies at the University of Tucson–Arizona showed when the same wiper was used on multiple doorknobs, by the time they got to the third knob, the wiper was actually adding, not removing, germs. If you use a disinfectant (whether cleaning solution or wipe) make sure to follow label directions.
We can’t do much about germs that are airborne, but the above steps can help limit exposure and help you avoid colds and flu this winter or maybe or a child’s cold. Be especially diligent if your environment includes very young children, aging or immune-compromised individuals.