As schools and colleges open for the fall semester, concerns regarding transmission prevention of the H1N1 (swine) influenza virus in these settings becomes a priority for administrators, educators, students and parents.
Columbia,
Maryland – As schools and colleges open for the fall semester, concerns regarding
transmission prevention of the H1N1 (swine) influenza virus in these settings
becomes a priority for administrators, educators, students and parents. The
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) provides these recommendations for
reducing the spread of the virus in various education settings.
The
H1N1 flu is considered a Type A influenza virus, so the normal protocols
followed for outbreaks of norovirus and other types of flu should be utilized.
According to the Dept. of Health & Human Services pandemic website,
survival times for influenza A particles on surfaces vary from 8-12 hours on
paper or cloth to 24-48 hours in ambient temperatures on non-porous surfaces
such as doorknobs, counters, desks and the like. When surfaces are wet, the
influenza A virus can survive up to 72 hours.
Hard
surfaces can be cleaned with a normal household or commercial disinfectant.
Surfaces to pay particular attention to in a school setting include: desk tops,
door knobs, light switches, hand rails, computer keyboards and mice,
telephones, microphones, elevator buttons, cafeteria tables and chairs,
buttons/panels on office equipment (copiers, postage machines, shredders),
water fountain handles and vending machines. In rest rooms, a trash receptacle
should be placed close to the door so individuals exiting the lavatory can use
a paper towel to open the door and then dispose of it properly.
In
break rooms, utensils, plates, cups, microwave buttons and handles, silverware,
coffee pot handles, cabinet handles, refrigerator handles, towels and sponges
should all be disinfected regularly.
During
an outbreak, touch points in high traffic areas such as door knobs and hand
rails, should be disinfected several times a day to reduce the spread of germs.
In
elementary schools and daycares, additional precautions should be taken because
younger children may not cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough, and may
not follow good hand hygiene. Toys, furniture and equipment may need to be
wiped down more frequently with a normal cleaning or disinfecting agent. Hand
washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based cleaner should be more frequent
as well, especially after coughing or sneezing.
The
same precautions apply to colleges and dormitories. Regular cleaning of frequently
touched surfaces, not sharing food or drinks, plus isolating individuals who
are sick from the rest of the students can also help reduce the spread of the
virus.
“Following
good hand hygiene, utilizing thorough and regular cleaning of frequently
touched surfaces, and using common sense can help schools reduce the
transmission of influenza” said RIA President Jeff Jones, CRS.
A
fact sheet on cleaning and remediation recommendations for the H1N1 influenza
is available from RIA by calling 443-878-1000 or visiting
www.restorationindustry.org.
RIA Provides Prevention Tips for H1N1 Influenza