Flu season spans from October through May and here in Colorado Springs, it seems like everyone has it right now. And if not the flu, cold and stomach viruses has been making plenty of people sick. There have been so many cases of the flu in local schools a few have closed to disinfect and several have sent messages to families about the importance of washing hands frequently, covering the mouth when coughing, and keeping students at home if they have a fever or are vomiting. (I personally always cough or sneeze into my elbow versus my hand, especially when you’re in public with no access for immediately washing your hands.)
Because the flu virus can live on hard surfaces for 24 hours it’s important to clean and disinfect your home when someone is sick. It’s especially important to disinfect things such as phones, remote controls, bathroom faucets, doorknobs, light switches, and other things people share.
My favorite disinfectant mixture is 1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water.
Here are some really great cleaning tips on how to protect your family and keep the flu virus from spreading in your home.
www.today.com/home/how-protect-flu-cleaning-tips-your-house-t123435
The CDC, Centers for Disease Control, suggests “Take 3” actions to fight the flu, which include the following:
- Take time to get a flu vaccine.
- Take everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of germs.
- Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
Here are the CDC’s helpful and important tips…
www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm.