Seven next steps if someone in your house contracts COVID19 or other virus: UAE Partner TIRR Memorial Hermann Infectious Disease experts have shared seven immediate, simple steps you can take to restore a healthy, germ-free environment.
Viruses. No one likes it when they overstay their welcome. In the event that you or someone in your household has been struck with the flu, COVID-19 or another kind of virus, the next major move is to ensure you get rid of the virus once and for all. While deep cleaning and disinfecting your home sounds like a daunting task, Memorial Hermann has you covered. Our Memorial Hermann Infectious Disease experts have shared seven immediate, simple steps you can take to restore a healthy, germ-free environment. 1.Wash your bedding and clothing. Strip your rooms of any blankets, sheets, pillows, bedding and clothes worn while sick, and start tossing them into the washing machine. Take care to do so in a methodical way—most importantly, keeping the clean loads separate from the ones still waiting to be washed. 2. Clean the bathroom. If possible, designate one bathroom for those who are ill to use. Creating separate spaces for anyone infected with a virus is critical to ensuring it doesn’t get spread around. After symptoms have passed (reminder that the COVID-19 incubation period is 14 days), disinfect the entire bathroom, concentrating on areas like the sink, faucet, toilet and toilet handle. 3. Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces. Countertops, doorknobs, light switches and stair railings. Every day, we touch any number of surfaces and features of our homes, which means they all become common places a virus can live–even after our physical symptoms are gone. In the event of a virus, disinfect frequently-touched hard surfaces throughout your entire home, especially the rooms where the sick individual(s) spent the majority of their time. 4. Wash your used towels Once the illness is over, wash all towels used throughout your home on the highest possible temperature available. Towels are considered a higher-risk item because they become soiled from our use. They also tend to be used to absorb moisture, which has a tendency to hold germs inside. And using a higher temperature can stop any existing bacteria from multiplying. 5. Don’t forget the electronics and toys! Consider tossing stuffed animals and soft kids toys into the washing machine to thoroughly clean them. As for electronics and hard kids toys (like remote controls, cell phones, LEGOS®, etc.), disinfect the surfaces using disinfectant wipes or rubbing alcohol and water. 6. Throw out all of the trash. Gather trash from all rooms of the house and take it out with regularity. For anyone who is ill in your home, try dedicating a line trash can for that person’s use. It’s a good idea (and a CDC precaution for all cleaning and disinfecting during a time of virus) to wear gloves when you are removing or handling any trash bags. 7. Toss out your toothbrush For any toothbrush used during a period of sickness, dispose of the toothbrush entirely and buy a new one. If your toothbrush is not disposable, disinfect the head of your toothbrush by following these *directions: In addition to the action items above, it’s important to have your household continue practicing good handwashing hygiene–even when an illness is not present. By doing this, we all play an important role in reducing the spread of viruses. The Center for Biocide Chemistries published a list of products that have been pre-approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use against emerging developed pathogens such as the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). To view that list visit: https://www.americanchemistry.com/Novel-Coronavirus-Fighting-Products-List.pdf.
