Seasonal flu: virus elimination as a prevention method

The family of viruses that includes the flu is large, but the most frequently encountered types are, in particular, influenza A and influenza B. It is estimated that influenza A virus infections account for 75% of all confirmed seasonal flu infections. Influenza B infections account for the remaining 25 percent.

Adults contaminated with the H1N1 virus (type A) can infect other people starting from one day before symptoms appear and up to a week after becoming ill. Children can be contagious for several weeks. The symptoms are similar to those of any other type of flu (B, C, or D). Therefore, it is important for every individual and all institutions (whether hospitals, clinics, or other public or private institutions) to take measures to reduce the risk of infection during an H1N1 virus epidemic, as well as other flu strains during the regular flu season.

Flu complications may include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and the worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

Fortunately, there are several simple methods that can help prevent the spread of viruses and minimize the impact of disease-causing germs on adults and children.

Ways the flu is transmitted

Traditionally, it was thought that influenza viruses spread from one person to another primarily through the transmission of large-particle respiratory droplets (for example, when an infected person coughs or sneezes near a susceptible person). Transmission via large-particle droplets requires close contact between the source and the recipient, as the droplets generally only travel short distances (approximately 2.5 meters or less) through the air.

Indirect contact transmission can also occur through the manual transfer of the influenza virus from contaminated surfaces or objects to the mucous membranes of the face, for example, the nose or mouth.

However, infection can also occur by touching any of these body parts after contact with contaminated surfaces. Frequently touched surfaces and objects include:

• Door handles
• Light switches
• Keyboard and mouse
• Desks, tables, countertops
• Phones
• Pens
• Elevator/access buttons
• Remote controls
• Devices in shared bathrooms and toilets

Strategies for reducing the risk of seasonal flu infection

The most effective individual strategies for reducing the risk of influenza virus infection have proven to be: hand washing (11%-27%), vaccination of medical staff (6%-19%), preventive vaccination of patients (4%-17%), patient isolation (5%-16%), antiviral treatment (4%-14%), and the use of masks (3%-10%). The combined use of several prevention methods could potentially halve the number of flu cases observed in hospitals.

Among the general population, actions such as rigorous hand hygiene, disinfecting surfaces and isolating contaminated individuals have proven to be the most effective methods of protection.

Frequent hand washing and disinfection

Effective hand hygiene is typically achieved by washing hands with soap and water, followed by rubbing hands with a disinfectant product. Frequent hand washing and disinfection is extremely effective not only for protection against the flu virus but also against other pathogenic germs. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers reduce the amount of flu virus on contaminated hands.

When caring for a person who may have the flu, make sure to wash your hands after touching the sick person and after touching potentially contaminated objects.

Hand washing should not just be a quick rinse; it must last for at least 20 seconds. After washing with soap and water, dry your hands thoroughly with, if available, disposable paper towels or a warm air dryer. Avoid using a cloth towel that is also used by other people.

Make sure you always have a disinfectant gel on hand, especially when washing with soap and water is not an option. KLINTENSIV® – Hand disinfectant gel

Hand disinfection should be done immediately after direct contact with surfaces regularly touched by a large number of people, such as door handles, light switches, counters, elevator buttons, etc.

Regular hand hygiene must also be complemented by a conscious effort not to touch the nose, mouth, or eyes. The flu virus can travel through the air, but it can also enter a person's body when infected hands touch the face. For this reason, it is important to cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow. Dispose of tissues immediately.

Surface disinfection as a method of protection against the flu

Effective and routine disinfection procedures can reduce the risk of transmission during the flu season or for any high-risk community.

Effective disinfection focuses on the physical removal of the virus using a suitable product. If done frequently, the risk of transmission of infectious agents is considerably reduced. This is because flu viruses, including H1N1, can survive for 8-12 hours on paper or fabrics, 24-48 hours on non-porous surfaces such as doorknobs or desks, and up to 72 hours on damp surfaces. Therefore, the virus can remain contagious overnight in an office, home, school, or hospital where surfaces are not properly sanitized. The cleaning procedure can use a variety of cleaning and disinfecting agents. It should be kept in mind that simply applying a disinfectant does not replace cleaning. Disinfectants for the home, workspaces, and medical institutions.

Differences between cleaning and disinfecting

Cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using soap (or detergent) and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill the germs, but by removing them, it lowers their number and the risk of spreading the infection.

Disinfecting kills germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using disinfectant products to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces, but it eliminates germs from a surface after cleaning to further decrease the risk of spreading the infection. Professional surface disinfectants

Using disinfectant wipes as a protective measure against the flu

In all situations where washing hands with soap and water is not possible, it is recommended to use disinfectant wipes after direct contact with objects that are frequently touched, such as phones, tablets, and laptops. However, be careful, as there is a difference in efficacy between disinfectant wipes and antibacterial ones, with the latter not having an equally effective action against influenza viruses.

Some disinfectant wipes can be used for hands, while products specifically intended for the surface in question should be used for surfaces. Disinfectant wipes not approved for use on hands could cause an allergic reaction. For this reason, it is extremely important that the product label states that the product is suitable for use on hands or skin and, very importantly, that they are dermatologically tested. KLINTENSIV® – Disinfectant wet wipes