After almost two years of unusually low influenza infection rates due to social distancing and covid isolation, flu season is well and truly here.[1]. This is the first flu season simultaneously present alongside covid infections, making for a high-risk winter for Australians. Influenza infection rates have indicated Australia’s worst May on record[2], with flu season usually peaking in August, this is shaping up to be a bad winter. In 2022 to date, ‘At-risk populations include children younger than 5 years, people aged 5–9 years, and people aged 10–19 years’[3].
What is Influenza?
“Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are two main types of influenza virus that cause infection in humans – types A and B – and many sub-types or strains. Flu can occur throughout the year but influenza activity usually peaks in winter.” [4]
Both influenza A and B viruses can survive on hard nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic, for up to 48 hrs. Reports suggest the transmission of virus could occur for 2–8 hr via stainless steel surfaces. [5]
High Touch Points (HTPs)
It is important to deep clean and sanitise high touch points (HTPs) to prevent the spread of influenza and other virus’. HTP consist of hard and soft surfaces throughout your home and business. This is to ensure infection control and is required multiple times per day in a commercial setting, especially after busy periods. In domestic settings, it is important to sanitise infected areas ensuring remaining household members are in a clean and safe environment.
Appropriate Cleaning Methods;
Effective cleaning methods are incredibly important this season. With this in mind, we need to be cleaning better and smarter than previous years. Firstly, preventing the spread of infection and disease starts with microbe removal.
Steam and microfibre is a hospital approved method of cleaning removing up to 99.999% bacteria and pathogens. Dry pressurised steam with a boiler temperature above 170ºC used in conjunction with quality microfibre, is the perfect cleaning combination for optimal infection prevention. The superior performance of high temperature dry steam drastically reduces contact time required to eliminate bacteria and viral agents, such as flu virus and COVID-19.
AS/NZS 4815:2006
AS/NZS 4187:2003
“Moist heat, in the form of steam under pressure, is the most dependable, economical and quickest medium known for the destruction of microbial life.”[6]
Steam Australia supply hospital grade disposable and reusable microfibre cloths to suit a range of applications around the home. These cloths exhibit excellent microbial removal capability, making them an ideal alternative for chemical free cleaning. Use with steam for the most efficient cleaning[7]. The combination of steam and the latest and improved microfibre technology, paves the way to implement highly effective and efficient cleaning processes across all surfaces in any organisation.
Steam + Microfibre = Better Together
Dry Steam.
Easier, Safer, Better.
Join the Future of Cleaning, With Steam Australia
Get in touch today on 1300 79 50 50 or [email protected]
References:
[1] Hudson Institute of Medical Research. ‘Flu season 2022 – what you need to know’ [2] The Guardian. ‘Australia’s monthly flu cases more than doubled previous record in May.’ [3] The Department of Health and Aged Care. ‘Australian Influenza Surveillance Report and Activity Updates’. [4] NSW Health. ‘Influenza fact sheet’ [5] The Journal of Infectious Diseases. ‘Survival of Influenza Viruses on Environmental Surfaces’ [6] ASNZS 4187-2003 [7] Reynard Health Australian Department of Health. ‘2019 Influenza Season in Australia A summary from the National Influenza Surveillance Committee’
Q&A with Porch Group ~ Cleaning Tips: A Guide to Disinfect Your Home Post- Covid
