This year's flu season has been intense, with 56 flu-related pediatric deaths reported so far and a flu vaccine that is just 23 percent effective. Additionally, an above-average number of patients are visiting their healthcare providers with flu-like symptoms.
Hospitals and clinics should take a facility-wide approach using proven products to prevent the spread of influenza in their facilities, according to Rosie Lyles, MD, the head of clinical affairs for Clorox Professional Products.
Dr. Lyles provided the following five tips for what healthcare facility staff can do to prevent the spread of the flu:
- Clean and disinfect regularly as the flu virus is relatively easy to kill when using the proper products.
- Target high-touch surfaces like toilets, faucets, bed rails and telephones.
- Don't forget about soft surfaces like carpets or upholstery. Dr. Lyles recommends using EPA-registered products to decontaminate soft surfaces.
- Choose the right products that have label claims to kill bacteria and viruses quickly.
- Take steps to prevent personal infection like getting vaccinated and washing hands properly.