Coronavirus, Disinfecting, and You
Every day more and more conferences and events, businesses and schools are closing down as preemptive measures to slow the spread of coronavirus, an infectious disease that has been spreading across the globe.
The 2019-20 COVID-19 outbreak is an ongoing, developing situation. This information is as accurate as sources available at the time of writing.
Coronavirus
Coronavirus is the name of a group of different viruses that cause respiratory tract infections, typically mild ones like the common cold, but also rarer, more deadly forms such as SARS and MERS. COVID-19, the specific virus that is causing the 2019-20 outbreak is one of these more serious viruses in the larger family.
How Does Coronavirus Transfer
COVID-19 transmission occurs through respiratory droplets coming from coughs and sneezes that have a range of about 6 feet. There is a concern that even asymptomatic individuals can transfer the illness but the World Health Organization doesn’t think that is a major driver of transmission. After an incubation period of 2-14 days following exposure, COVID-19 symptoms develop.
What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19
The primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. There is a lot of chatter out there suggesting COVID-19 is just like the flu but, it is similar, but definitely not the same. If you are feeling ill, know what symptoms you are experiencing and which you aren’t. It can help you understand the correct next steps.
How to Keep Yourself, Your Home, Your Business Healthy
Now, we here at BioClean Team are equipped to handle infectious diseases, and can decontaminate homes and offices. But in this case, the number one thing everyone needs right now is a bit of knowledge and precaution.
GOOD HYGIENE PRACTICES
Practicing good hygiene can help stop the spread of germs, including COVID-19 so get into these habits to increase your chances of staying healthy and weathering the storm.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw it immediately into the trash. The infected droplets will sit in that tissue waiting to be breathed in – ensure there’s no further contamination and put them right in the garbage.
Wash your hands properly, and regularly, for at least 20 seconds. If you came into contact with something gross, or someone who is ill, spend up to 3 minutes doing a vigorous washing from hands to elbows.
Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth. COVID-19 is spread through droplets from sneezes and coughs and they don’t just float in the air. Those droplets find their way down onto surfaces where they sit until something stirs them. If your hands come into contact with a surface and you then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth you have transferred the infected droplets right where they want to go.
Stay home when you are sick. Whether it’s COVID-19 or not, limiting exposure to others can help stop the spread of germs and keep you from getting any worse while your immune system is compromised. Don’t visit family and friends in the hospital if you aren’t feeling well yourself.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched areas, surfaces, and objects. Keep gloves or disinfectant wipes in your car to help clean any surfaces or your hands after pumping gas, gas station counters, or fast food.
GENERAL WELLNESS PRACTICES
Keeping things clean and washed are a great step to cut down on the transmission of germs. Keeping yourself in the best health you can be is a great defense against illnesses.
Take your vitamins. The human body needs the right fuel for everything to perform optimally, and for many they are woefully low on the vitamins and minerals that help the body stay healthy. Take zinc and vitamin C to help supplement your immune system. There is plenty of evidence out there linking vitamin C and reduced risks of cold and flu complications.
Sleep! Get a good night’s rest! During sleep your immune system and body goes through the necessary steps of rebuilding your body and promoting healing from the days wear and tear. Sleep deprivation decreases your body’s ability to heal and prepare itself to fight off infections with antibodies
If you are a business owner, you can hire a company like BioClean to do a regular cleaning service like nightly disinfecting or a weekly deep clean. These should be done anyways, keeping workstations, offices, and conference rooms disinfected can help prevent the spread of germs, but 4 weeks of daily disinfecting go right out the window as soon as someone sneezes or coughs onto a table. You are the answer to keeping yourself, your family, your employees, and customers healthy. Be proactive about your hygiene and best practices– you can do it!
Take care of yourselves, stay healthy, and stay safe, call The BioClean Team if you need an office disinfected or hazardous waste clean up.