The timing of the flu can vary from season to season. It most commonly peaks between December to March, but flu viruses can cause illness until late May. The best way to prevent getting the flu is to be vaccinated. Staying home when you’re sick, covering coughs and sneezes along with washing our hands will slow down the spread of influenza. Cleaning and disinfecting are the best ways to prevent spreading the flu and other infectious diseases in schools and childcare settings.
 

Difference Between Cleaning, Disinfecting & Sanitizing?

Cleaning will remove dirt germs and other impurities form surfaces and objects. This is done with the use of soap and water to remove the germs physically. Cleaning will not kill the germs, but if the germs are removed, it will reduce the numbers and the risk of infection being spread. Disinfecting will kill the germs on the surfaces and objects. The process of disinfecting works with the use of chemicals that will kill the germs. Disinfection may not remove germs, but killing the germs after they’ve been cleaned will aid in lowering the risk of the infection spreading. Sanitizing will reduce the number of germs to safe levels on surfaces and objects. These levels are judged by public health standards and requirements. Sanitation is accomplished by disinfection or cleaning the surfaces or objects to lower the risk of spreading infection.
 

What Surfaces in Schools Need to Be Cleaned?

Surfaces and objects that are touched more often need to be cleaned and disinfected. Daily sanitizing of surfaces and objects like desks, countertops, doorknobs, keyboards, faucets, phones, toys and hands-on learning tools is required. For more protection, these items also need to be disinfected. Any items or areas that are visibly dirty need to be cleaned right away. Areas that are soiled with blood or other bodily fluids need to be cleaned with gloves and other safety gear to avoid coming into contact with them. Always remove the spill first, then clean it and finish with disinfection. Routine cleaning and disinfection need to be matched with the types of germs you want removed and the activities being done.
 

Clean & Disinfect the Right Way

Labels need to be followed correctly on cleaning products and disinfectants. Surfaces need to be washed with general household cleaners to remove germs as well as rinsed with water and disinfected to kill germs. The label should state that it’s EPA approved to kill germs. The label should also state that its approved to be effective against the flu virus. Surfaces that aren’t visibly dirty can be cleaned with an EPA registered product that will clean and disinfect. It’s important to read the label to make sure there’s isn’t a separate procedure for the product if it’s used as a cleaner or as a disinfectant. When a product is used as a disinfectant, it will often times need to stay on the surface for a given amount of time for it to be effective. Items or areas that are touched more often, like computer keyboards and phones, can be wiped down with disinfecting wipes. To make sure the surface is wet for the amount of time needed, you might have to use more than one wipe.
 

Professional School Cleaning in Boston, Brookline, Lexington, Cambridge, Suffolk, Somerville, Middlesex & Norfolk County Massachusetts

Contact Nadia’s House Cleaning to come up with a cleaning routine to keep your school germ free.