The flu is here and has hit hard. Your home may be a war zone fighting the sickness from one family member to another. The virus is something a household battles every year. whether your kiddo picks it up at school or you get it from that coworker who should have stayed home. Coming in contact with the virus is inevitable. But what can you do to ensure the flu doesn’t linger any longer than it has to? Here are a couple of tips to get rid of the illness and keep it out of your home.
Wash Your Hands
The virus is all around us. We come in contact with germs every time we open the fridge, door handles, stair rails, money, grocery carts- the list goes on and on. Make sure to wash your hand as many times as you can throughout the day and especially before you eat. This not only limits the spread of the virus but also an easy way to keep the bacteria away.
Disinfect Surfaces
Did you know that the flu virus can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours? It’s extremely important to disinfect common surface areas a couple of times a day. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.” To Kill those germs- Wash surfaces with an EPA-registered disinfectant such as Clorox wipes and Lysol Disinfecting spray. These products state that EPA has approved them for effectiveness against influenza A virus. Just check your other cleaning labels to see if they are “EPA Approved”.
Wash Linens
Just like hard surfaces, the flu virus can linger in your linens. To prevent the flu from lingering any longer, wash all your bed sheets, pillowcases, and your clothes. Use a bleach cleaner if possible. Also, throw in those bath linens if you get a chance. Sick kiddos in and out of the bathroom are prime opportunity to spread the bacteria. After a good wash, set the dryer to the highest heat setting and really kill those harmful germs.
And if you are really fancy, use an air purifier. Those babies are designed to kill viruses and bacteria that is lingering in the air. You can find some cheap ones on Amazon. Snag a couple if you can for each room and really get the good air flowing. Not only are they good for killing the unwanted germs but they also help with allergies and elevating dust.
Remember, the flu is almost impossible to avoid. Get a flu shot and ensure your family and loved ones are covered when they walk into your home. No one wants the virus to linger. Use the necessary measures to keep everyone feeling better quicker. For all your home and auto insurance needs, give us a call to speak with an agent to see how you could save by bundling your home and auto.
Happy New Year!