Tips From A Microbiologist On Keeping The House Clean During Covid
Generally, dark or shaded surfaces are better for microbial growth and survival than those receiving direct sunlight since UV light is damaging to DNA and other macromolecules. That said, the physical and chemical conditions of the surface are important as well. Microbes, including SARS-CoV-2, can adhere more securely and generally survive better on textured surfaces where they can be protected by dirt, oils, and other materials. Some of that material can also provide nourishment for growth of some bacteria. Most heavy metals have antimicrobial properties, but other metals, such as iron, can provide energy for microorganisms and can lead to the proliferation and survival of certain bacteria. Many human-associated bacteria are free-living and can survive or even grow separately from humans. However, others are entirely host-dependent and must be transferred to a new host in order to grow, as is the case for SARS-CoV-2.
Family medicine physician Neha Vyas, MD, sheds some light on what we do and don’t know so far about how the 2019 novel coronavirus lives on surfaces, and what you can do to minimize your risk at home. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation has provided disinfection and hygiene guidance for homes without running water. When disinfecting electronics you can use products containing at least 70% alcohol. Notify employees who may have been in contact with the person about the potential exposure, while maintaining the confidentiality of the carrier. Follow the CDC’s public health recommendations for community-related exposure. PPE is always important, but that goes extra when you are cleaning in a place where there is a known risk of contamination.
We all need to carefully think about the surfaces that could possibly transmit microorganisms from public spaces, and be sure to take the proper precautions when we get home. I'm generally not as concerned about microorganisms in our own private spaces. It’s very important not to neglect problems with skin and mucosal surfaces and to make sure you're in good overall health Water Damage by eating and sleeping well and managing mental health and stress. Just as we’re getting the social distancing thing down by staying safe at home, we’re beginning to take a long, hard look at our house cleaning habits. After all, the kitchen has suddenly transformed from a place to cook a meal into the family restaurant, workspace, and school – sometimes all at the same time.
If you receive takeout or delivery food, swap out the food containers with your dishes as soon as possible. Many restaurants have increased their sanitary procedures to stay open, but it’s best to avoid eating off of cardboard and plastic surfaces when possible. Coronavirus may be able to live up to two to three days on plastic surfaces.
For SARS-CoV-2, this is the respiratory mucosa, although it is also thought that this and other viruses can proliferate in other locations, such as the eye, and then transfer to the respiratory mucosa. For this and other respiratory pathogens like influenza, avoiding airborne droplets, either directly or indirectly, is critical. For now, we need to practice social distancing, always practice good hand-face hygiene, and, for the health of others, cough and sneeze into your elbow. There’s also a necessary balance between washing too much and washing too little, and using harsh detergents or weaker detergents containing moisturizers. Washing too often with harsh detergents that don’t contain moisturizers can dehydrate the skin and increase chances of skin infections. Alcohol is a strong disinfectant, for example, but be careful because it can dehydrate skin. Of much greater concern, especially now, is limiting the transmission of microbes from other people.
It is unknown how long the air inside a room occupied by someone with confirmed COVID-19 remains potentially infectious. Taking measures to improve ventilation in an area or room where someone was ill or suspected to be ill with COVID-19 will help shorten the time it takes respiratory droplets to be removed from the air.
up-to-date solutions and utilize CDC approved and EPA registered disinfectants. Based on our industry-leading expertise, Aftermath Services has been selected to partner with the US Government for their COVID-19 remediation needs. Continue to clean all spaces in the office, shared or not, and push everyone to wipe down their desks and equipment as soon as they're done for the day. This is especially important if people are sharing spaces and if teams switch off working in the office. The Coronavirus outbreak shed light on the importance of indoor air quality and steps needed to mitigate the spread of germs and disease in an office space.