How to Stay Healthy During Flu Season

It is no secret that flu occurs every year. The cold season is almost here, thus it is essential that we take all possible steps to avoid cold or flu. It is very important to notice that flu is a very infectious disease. Flu is unpredictable.It is caused by a different group of viruses and the symptoms start suddenly. A high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above, tiredness and weakness, general aches and pains, a cough or headache are only several symptoms of flu to mention.

 What harm can flu do?

Having flu can often be much worse than you think. According to the Public Health England (PHE 2018) report ‘Surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses in the UK: Winter 2017 to 2018′, 16 children aged 0-17 died because of influenza-related health problems. PHE also declared that flu is very dangerous for the 65+ year olds, pregnant women, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease) and children younger than 2 years old. For them,  can increase the risk of developing complications (such as pneumonia or bronchitis) that can be life-threatening and result in death.

How to prevent?

You can help stop yourself catching flu or spreading it to others with good hygiene measures and clean home environments.

• Always wash your hands very well.“Washing your hands with soap and warm water is sufficient to remove dirt, viruses or bacteria”, says Professor Jeremy Hawker, consultant epidemiologist at PHE. The expert also notices that an appropriate hand washing can reduce the risk of diarrhoea by nearly 50%. Dr Richard Pebody, respiratory expert at PHE confirms the fact that all influenza viruses are spread from person to person by coughs, sneezes and touching objects contaminated with the flu virus. Therefore, hand washing is essential.
• Keep your home clean.Our 10 years experience in cleaning business has shown us that clean and fresh home environments might significantly reduce the risks of getting flu.
• Firstly, you should regularly clean surfaces such as your computer keyboard, telephone and door handles to get rid of germs. We recommend all digital devices to sanitize at least once-a-day during flu season.
• Secondly, change all dish sponges and scrubbers as often as you can. Do you know that the germiest item in your household is – ironically – the item used to keep things clean. Right, sponges. In 2011, NSF International conducted a ‘Germiest Places in the Home’ study that aimed to identify germ hot spots in homes. It has been found that kitchen sponges contained the biggest amount of bacteria of all household items. Cutting boards, counter tops and toothbrush holders are also among the dirtiest places in the house.

Cleaning tip: Microwave wet sponges once a day for two minutes, and replace at least once every two weeks. Lisa Yakas, microbiologist in NSF’s consumer products program, shows people how to sanitize and get the smell out of kitchen sponges. Watch here: http://www.nsf.org/newsroom/how-to-sanitize-and-get-the-smell-out-of-kitchen-sponges

• Thirdly, routine cleaning of you home or office can reduce the spread of viruses.

Old, dirty carpets, sofas and different hard surfaces are an important reservoir for dust, allergens, or even toxic chemicals. Kitchen tables, coffee tables, play-area tables, and night tables also host cold and flu viruses. Even stuffed animals and your pets might spread viruses.

Cleaning tip: The good news is that you can dramatically decrease your chances of getting sick by simply cleaning with eco household products that can significantly improve the quality of indoor air. They will also refresh and sanitize the surfaces and eliminate germs, mold, bacteria and dirt form your furniture, household appliances or items. It is recommended to vacuum clean your carpets or upholstery as often as possible. Protect your kids as well. If washable, toss Teddy in the laundry. Moreover, sheets, blankets, towels should be washed at high temperature.

We deliver healthy solutions for you and everything you touch. Health is the greatest wealth we ever have.  We can’t wait to clean your home or office.  Get in touch 07933 006181, info@husband-wife.co.uk

The article has been written using the folowing references:

1.Public Health England (2018). Surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses in the UK: Winter 2017 to .2018.     

2. Public Health England (2015).We are counting on you to wash your hands [online] available at  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/we-are-counting-on-you-to-wash-your-hands

3.NSF International. Germiest items in the home [online] available at http://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/studies-surveys-infographics/germ-studies/germiest-items-home