Fighting Influenza (Part 2)

This is the continuation of my first entry about fighting Influenza virus. This idea of posting awareness about Influenza virus started when my nephew was infected by H1n1 virus yesterday. I am very thankful to God that he’s now okay and doing fine. However, he have to stay in the hospital for one more day for his complete recovery.

Have you ever wonder how long influenza virus can stay viable on some objects like books and door knobs? Studies have shown that the virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person up to 2-8 hours after being deposited  on the surface.Influenza virus is destroyed by heat. In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, iodophors and alcohols are effective against Influenza viruses if use in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. Foir examples, wipes or gel with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. the gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person moved through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable item used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, person should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste. To prevent the spread of Influenza Virus, it is important to keep surfaces clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to direction on the product label.

Linens, eating utensils and dishes belonging to those who are sick, do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly this items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Linens should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individual hugging laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individual should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dish washer or by hands with water and soap.