The new year offers new beginnings, but unfortunately, it is also a peak period for the transmission of colds, flu, Covid and other respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses. This year the trifecta of respiratory illnesses is especially hitting Connecticut. Being inside more, in dry air, with the proximity of other people leads to more infections. During the height of the Covid pandemic, we became very accustomed to wiping down surfaces, wearing masks in public and when feeling ill, avoiding crowds. To prevent illness this winter, adopt these practices again. Also, get your flu shot and keep up with Covid boosters. Use disinfectant wipes, as common area surfaces are favorite homes for bacteria and viruses.
Some of the germiest items are your electronic devices. Think about it—they are always near your face, held in your hands and often with you everywhere you go. Viruses and bacteria can thrive on your own devices, and especially those shared in workplaces, schools, libraries and sign-in screens at hospitals and other public places.
You should have disinfectant wipes for your phone, tablet, computer keyboard, mouse, and TV remote. For your smartphone or tablet, mobile phone manufacturers suggest disinfecting wipes for the outside and cases of phones and devices. For screens, spray a soft cloth with an alcohol-based disinfectant cleaner containing 70 percent isopropyl. Using a public screen such as ATM, use your pencil or the stick provided rather than touching the screen. If using the general stick, then clean your hands. Be sure to clean all devices daily, especially after seeing someone who shows cold symptoms, after going out to eat or shopping, and after work.
In addition to your electronic devices, use disinfectant wipes daily to wipe down your counters and bathroom fixtures, including all handles, door knobs, light switches, and tables. Along with your phone, the TV remote is one of the most germ-laden items in the house. Wipe it down each day, and more frequently if you or household members are using it while having cold or illness symptoms. In addition, while traveling or in a medical facility, bring wipes to clean the remote. Additional attention to common areas in hotel rooms, airplanes, and other public transportation is highly advised. Wipe the handles also of store carts and carriers.
Frequent hand washing combats bacteria, viruses and parasites. Washing for 20 seconds, or the length of time it takes to hum the happy birthday song, and then rinsing and drying hands well on disposable paper towels is most effective.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can inactivate some germs, including cold and flu viruses but they don’t kill other common bugs such as stomach flu or other gastrointestinal viruses on your hands, especially if your hands have lotion, grease, or dirt. They are better than nothing, so if not near water, carry hand sanitizers. In the home, use separate hand towels or paper towels.
Other actions perhaps abandoned from the Covid years are room ventilation, six-foot separation in crowds, staying hydrated, avoiding ill patients and home-testing when presenting symptoms. However, your Covid test will be “negative” if your illness is influenza or RSV, or it may be too early to detect. When ill, treat your symptoms and follow the same guidelines regardless of test results. You are responsible for doing what it takes to prevent the spread of any illness.
It often seems inevitable that we catch winter illnesses, however, immunizations, hygiene and disinfection can reduce the possibility of getting sick. If you are sick, stay home, and when well, take precautions to stay well.