Prevention: Cleaning, Disinfecting, & Sanitizing
How long can H1N1 and other influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
What kills H1N1 and other influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against H1N1 and other influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands for about 20 seconds or until your hands feel dry, whichever is longest.
How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of H1N1 and other influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of H1N1 and other influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the regular trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
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 move 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.
What common surfaces should I disinfect?
Special attention should be paid to cleaning spaces where many people have close contact. The spread of the virus can be reduced by ensuring that facilities are cleaned regularly and effectively. Focus particularly on surfaces that are touched frequently by hands (e.g., keyboards, doorknobs, desks). The use of disinfectants, particularly to housekeeping surfaces (e.g., floors, bookcases, tops of filing cabinets), is unnecessary. Clean bathroom surfaces on a regular basis. Air sanitizer products have not been shown to disinfect airborne influenza virus or reduce disease transmission and are not recommended. Good cleaning with soap and water will remove most microorganisms as well as soil and organic matter.
What is the difference between a disinfectant, an antimicrobial, and a sanitizing product?
Disinfectants and antimicrobials destroy pathogenic microorganisms. These two terms are used interchangeably. Sanitizers reduce the number of microorganisms to a safe level by killing them; typically, sanitizers kill 99.9% of these germs. Any product that claims to kill bacteria or viruses must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, so look for products that have an EPA registration number on the product label.
The Soap and Detergent Association. SDA Product fact sheet: hard surface hygiene. http://www.cleaning101.com, viewed on August 5th, 2009. Via FSU's H1N1 site.
