The dirty and down on cleaning during the virus season

Fall marks the commencement of the annual outbreak season, commonly referred to as "Virus Season." Although outbreaks are most rampant between November and April, they extend beyond viruses alone. The question arises: how unclean is considered unclean?

Anywhere people gather tends to transform into an optimal breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Unchecked, microbial environments flourish, particularly in places like schools, hospitals, daycares, nursing homes, and doctor's offices. Publicly accessible businesses and community spaces such as libraries, gyms, and places of worship are also susceptible.

The American Society for Microbiology conducted experiments illustrating the swift spread of contamination from a single doorknob in a high-traffic area. Within two to four hours of exposure, tracer viruses were detectable on 40-60 percent of individuals interacting with the knob. This heightened contamination extended to various frequently touched surfaces like countertops, light switches, conference tables, remotes, cell phones, and point-of-purchase card swipe terminals.

Vigilance is crucial for high-traffic surfaces, as complacency can be detrimental. Effective control of any illness begins with addressing the micro biome through consistent, repetitive efforts. Consider a single bacterium that multiplies at a rate of two new cells per hour. In a scenario where only 10 bacteria cells were present on the doorknob, within an hour, there would be 30 bacteria; within 10 hours, the colony would burgeon to well over half a million bacteria. As the contagion population grows, more robust techniques become necessary.

While the devastating effects of COVID have been witnessed, numerous other diseases spread rapidly through contact, including the common cold, influenza, strep throat, pink eye, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Although most people recover swiftly from these common conditions, certain pathogens like E. Coli, salmonella, listeria, SARS, or norovirus can have severe consequences, especially for the very young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, leading to lingering effects for weeks and, in some cases, death due to simple exposure.

The realm of cleaning plays a pivotal role in combating the spread of illnesses. Experts in the cleaning industry must maintain vigilance, particularly in high-contact areas. Prevention is paramount and begins with consistent cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitization.
  • Initiate the process by cleaning the surface to eliminate any accumulated grease or grime.
  • Regularly wipe high-touch surfaces with disinfectants like bleach, rubbing alcohol (70% or 99% isopropyl), or hydrogen peroxide (3%).
  • Spray surfaces and allow them to air dry. Bear in mind that these chemicals, though readily available, can be abrasive on delicate surfaces and sensitive skin. Hence, personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves, is essential to prevent accidental exposure to chemicals or germs.
  • For objects and surfaces used in food preparation, apply the disinfectant, adhere to the recommended waiting time, and then rinse thoroughly with clean water to avoid ingesting chemical residues.

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