Will Cleaning Help Me Stay Healthy, Prevent the Flu, and Avoid COVID-19 – read here! Cleaning during flu season can literally be a lifesaver. We are currently in the middle of our flu season. On top of the usual flu cases, you also now have COVID-19 otherwise known as the coronavirus.

 

Cleaning with eco-friendly and effective cleaners kills bacteria and limits the spread of flu and COVID-19. Do not underestimate the power of cleaners and disinfectants. If you work in a high-traffic office or a public business environment, or you simply want to make sure you’re doing everything you can at home to minimize your COVID-19 risk, this article’s for you. Let us help.

What is the flu?

The flu is influenza. It is a contagious respiratory illness with symptoms like headaches, coughs, fever, and muscle aches. In some cases, the flu can be life-threatening.

The flu is spread through human contact, predominantly coughs and sneezes. The tiny droplets that come from these involuntary responses get into others’ mouths, nose, or eyes. This doesn’t necessarily have to happen through direct contact. Influenza is often picked up from contaminated surfaces.

When is flu season?

Flu season in North America is variable. The majority of flu influenza cases begin in January and extend through March. In some years, the flu season has extended into April and even May. Cleaning year-round is important. The risks around not cleaning amplify during flu season.

During winter and spring, clean. Outside is cold and wet. Our immune systems are being challenged. The fewer germs and bacteria going around, the better. Cleaning common countertops, computers and keyboards, desk surfaces, washrooms, kitchens, and any areas common to touch is recommended.

Is COVID-19 the flu?

COVID-19 is not the flu. They are very similar. They are, however, caused by different viruses. The flu is from exposure to the influenza virus. COVID-19 is caused by the SARS coronavirus 2.

Why we group the flu and COVID-19 together in this article is because both present similar risk factors. The flu and COVID-19 can also both be successfully prevented with proper cleaning processes.

How can I prevent getting COVID-19?

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Do this often. This will rinse away bacteria, germs, and any viruses you’re carrying around.
  • Use proper cough and sneeze etiquette. Cover your mouth. After you cough or sneeze, alawys wash your hands. If you’re an office manager, allow others to do the same. This will minimize the spreading of germs between employees.
  • Do not touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. This is where the flu and COVID-19 enter.
  • If you or an employee is sick, stay home. Some think they’re doing the right thing by powering through sickness and coming into work. Wrong. It could make spread one’s sickness to more people.
  • To avoid the flu or COVID-19, clean and disinfect touch points several times in the day. These include light switches, doorknobs, kitchen handles, faucet handles, office equipment like the printer, the coffee machine, remotes, railings, and more.

What’s the best way to clean during flu season?

Germs can live on for days. They sit on unsuspecting surfaces. Cleaning is about removing these germs and bacteria. When you do this you accomplish two key goals for cleaning during a flu season:

  • Reduce contaminated surfaces.
  • Slow the spread of infection.

Is it better to clean or disinfect with the flu and COVID-19?

Cleaning is soap and water. Physical effort is required. Proper cleaning procedures will remove dirt, germs, and impurities.

Disinfecting uses a chemical reaction to kill germs. Cleaners only remove, disinfectants kill. Disinfectants are recommended to combat COVID-19 and the flu. Soap and water, on its own, isn’t good enough.

The best cleaning method to use for COVID-19 and the flu is to clean first, disinfect second

As you are likely to be cleaning more often than normal, the same rules still apply. Applying a disinfectant, wear gloves. Don’t use more chemicals than needed. Choose eco-friendly, natural cleaners whenever possible. Ensure the area has ventilation.

What is the best disinfectant to use on the flu and COVID-19?

You have three options for disinfectants.

  1. Diluted household bleach solutions – 5 tablespoons of bleach to 1 gallon of water.
  2. Commercially available EPA-registered household disinfectants.
  3. Alcohol solutions with at least 70 percent alcohol.

For carpet, rugs, and drapes, these are soft surfaces. A disinfectant like bleach can be very damaging. Instead, use the appropriate cleaners as recommended.

On the subject of bleach, do not mix it with ammonia. Do not mix bleach with any other chemicals. This includes toilet bowl cleaners and others. Doing so will generate chlorine gas or vapor. This is very dangerous.

If you use disinfectant surface wipes, do not re-use or apply on multiple surfaces. This spreads germs. Always use a new wipe every time.

Know the right way to clean

It’s not just about what you clean with. It’s about how you clean. By not using the right method, you can actually spread flu influenza and the COVID-19 virus. Here’s what to guard against.

  • Use enough product. Look at the label. Know what’s required. If you don’t use enough, you won’t be removing or killing the germs you think you are.
  • Change the microfiber cloths or cleaning rags you use often. If you don’t change them frequently enough, you could potentially be spreading contagious virus from surface to surface.
  • When you’re done cleaning, wash your hands. After the cleaners and disinfectants are put away, your job’s not done. As a cleaner, you could have picked something up. Take a few extra minutes and wash your hands thoroughly. This could be the key to the prevention of flu or COVID-19 in you.

Is all this cleaning guaranteed to help keep me healthy and prevent the flu?

There are no guarantees. Even with every precaution, you could still see the day where the flu strikes. The best thing you can do is continue cleaning and wash your hands. Ensure everyone’s educated on the expectation of washing hands. This is the best prevention.

Are you looking for high-quality cleaners and disinfectants to help prevent the spread of flu and COVID-19 – contact Genesis Supplies. See natural, environmentally sustainable, and highly effective cleaners and disinfectants you can use to keep your home or office free from germs, bacteria, and illness.

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