With cold & flu season here, we know you have been washing your hands and keeping them away from your face to avoid these common winter illnesses BUT unfortunately this isn’t good enough.  There will be a point where you need to clean, sanitize and disinfect your home, school or workplace.

Did you know you can reduce exposure and transmission of germs and viruses by cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing.  What is the difference?

1. Cleaning – removes germs & dirt
2. Disinfecting – kills germs
3. Sanitizing – reduces the amount of germs on surfaces and objects

All three of these methods help reduce the risk of exposure & transmission.  Using these methods usually means daily sanitizing surfaces and objects that are touched often, such as desks, counter tops, doorknobs, chairs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, faucet handles, phones, and toys.  You should know that using room air deodorizers, and fumigating, are not necessary or recommended by the CDC. These processes can irritate eyes, noses, throats, and skin; aggravate asthma; and cause other serious side effects.

To effectively clean, disinfect and sanitize correctly, be sure to use appropriate solutions.  Always read directions, product safety warnings and application directions to treat as safely and effectively as possible.   You should always wear protective gloves (latex or nitrile) to reduce your exposure.  Always use universal precautions when potential exposure to bodily fluids exists.  Be sure to always wash your hands after you have practiced proper cleaning, disinfecting or sanitizing procedures.

This article was a brief summary of an article written by the CDC.  Go to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to see the original article here to learn more about how to prevent spreading the flu.