Professional School Cleaning Minimizes The Incidence Of Flu Cases!

Vaccinations constitute the most proficient way to prevent a flu epidemic. Unfortunately, the groups lobbying against it that spread false info regarding an unproven connection between inoculation and autism have managed to considerably decrease the number of parents willing to vaccinate their children. Furthermore, new strains of flu and other highly contagious illnesses evolve every day and modern medicine can’t always keep up. Other methods that could be employed to contain an epidemic and decrease the number of infected people consist of:

•    Washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with antibacterial soap

•    Covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing

•    Maintaining a safe distance from those who show signs of flu infection

•    Sanitizing the environment where large number of people assemble regularly, like schools

Disinfection and sanitization procedures, when performed by a specialized cleaning company have shown considerable positive results in terms of attenuating the effects of flu epidemics. However, only by collaborating with a professional service provider that has the experience and equipment to thoroughly clean, disinfect and sanitize the premises can you hope to drastically reduce the number of infected children and school board members.

Understanding the different parts of the process

There is a clear distinction between each step of a thorough germ ‘warfare’, namely:

•    Cleaning

Utilizing detergents or soaps in conjunction with water, the cleaning phase physically reduces the number harmful microorganisms present on the surface being scrubbed or wiped down. The removal won’t eradicate the existing microorganisms, but it will lower their count, therefore minimizing the chances of an epidemic.

•    Disinfecting

Disinfection is the step that follows the cleaning and it entails applying chemical solutions to eradicate the germs on an object or surface.

•    Sanitizing

Sanitization constitute the reduction in the microorganism count on given surface via disinfection, cleaning or both until the number is in accordance with existing public health standards. `

Focusing on microorganism removal for frequently touched items

The more frequently a certain object or surface comes into contact with the hands of various users, the higher the incidence of infection cases. Professional cleaning services are familiar with this rule of thumb as well as the categories of items that require special attention, like:

•    Computer peripherals, including keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, etc.

•    Bathroom accessories, including toilets, sinks, faucets, etc.

•    Classroom amenities, including desks, seats, blackboards, markers, light switches, etc.

Naturally, the list of priorities mentioned here is not exhaustive and the main sources of infection could be different based on the school’s individual specifications and learning resources. You should discuss any particularities with your cleaning system of choice to ensure that the cleaning and disinfection process is on the right track.

Routine cleaning and disinfection procedures

In addition to the special attention required by the frequently touched objects, standard cleaning procedures have shown promising results in terms of reducing the effects of flu outbreaks. However, considering the fragility of flu viruses reported by the medical community and the maximum span during which it can infect a person (8 hours), excessive force isn’t useful or recommended. For example, while certain viruses require fumigation, the flu incidence appears to be largely unaffected by these practices. That is why most professional cleaners will advise proceeding as usual.

Appropriating the cleaning solution

Utilizing EPA-approved disinfectants and cleaners, and in accordance with their individual specifications is the trademark of a professional cleaning company. In addition to the EPA seal of approval, the staff should ensure that the solution is suitable for use on a certain type of material, be it metal, plastic, glass, wood or fabric. Eating utensils require the outmost care when washing, because you’ll want to ensure they are both disinfected and that no traces of potentially harmful chemicals remain on their surface.

Finally, it’s important to remember that while a certain product may be safe to use as standalone, in combination with other chemicals it could emanate noxious fumes and vapors. Certain chemicals tend to linger in the air for hours after being applied. Reading the instruction label is generally advisable to determine whether there are any known interactions.

Disposing of the waste     

Waste basket and garbage bins, as well as their contents represent major sources of infection for anyone who comes into direct contact with them. As of such, special precautions have to be taken when manipulating, transporting or disposing of the contents:

•    Utilize disposable plastic gloves for touching the bins

•    Dispose of cleaning chemicals and applicators in the waste basket without delay once you’re done with them

•    Thoroughly wash your hands up to the elbow afterwards, even if you were wearing gloves

•    Seal the garbage bags and transport them outside of the schools premises when full

A specialized cleaning service can help your educational facility maintain a safe, healthy and attractive environment, suitable for the children and the professorial staff. The primary direct benefit consists of reduced absenteeism stemming from flu and other epidemics.