Getting flu from surfaces

MANILA, Philippines - Common and seemingly harmless household surfaces like doorknobs, toilet flush handles, phones, keyboards, light switches, could help spread germ-caused diseases, including the dreaded Influenza A (H1N1). 

Flu virus normally spreads via air droplets expelled from the mouth of an infected person when he talks, coughs, or sneezes.  These air droplets often land on hands and on adjacent surfaces. Research shows that germs could actually live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. 

Pediatric infectious disease specialist and flu doctor Nancy Bermal asserts that people can best protect themselves against the flu by taking handy precautions, including frequent hand washing and surface disinfecting. 

 When Dr. Bermal says “frequent hand washing,” she means frequent. She shares that some of the prescribed times to wash one’s hands include: before and after eating; before and after preparing food; after using the bathroom or changing diapers; after sneezing or coughing and finally, after taking care of someone sick.

However, Dr. Bermal asserts that flu prevention does not stop with frequent hand washing.  “Your hands may be clean, but what if the surfaces they come in contact with are the ones infested with harmful germs and viruses such as the flu?”

Gerald Blanco, Sr. brand manager for Lysol Philippines, agrees with the flu doctor that personal hygiene and surface disinfecting should go hand-in-hand. “One can’t do without the other. Most of us are not aware that diseases could be contracted through common household surfaces. Our clean hands may easily be contaminated the minute we come into contact with germ-infested surfaces,” notes Blanco.

Blanco encourages consumers to take a closer look at the labels of disinfectant products. “Consumers must take time in reading the product claims. Consumer products undergo a rigid scrutiny by the BFAD, before making and communicating claims to consumers, hence the labels have to be backed up by credible research information.” 

“Lysol Disinfectant Spray is proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including Influenza A (H1N1). We are communicating this claim not only through packaging but also via other means available,” says Blanco. 

Lysol has launched Oplan Flunas, a coalition of private and public sectors aiming to drive prevention through education. “We need to reach as many people possible, but the message has to be complete and understandable. We are making the rounds to make this very critical message to the public,” asserts Blanco.

To find out more about flu prevention, log on to www.flupreventionphilippines.com.