Don’t Want The Flu? Clean Your House, Doctors Say
Feb 18, 2019, 6:32 AM
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Flu season is reaching its highest point around the country, and doctors said it will likely stick around through March and possibly into April.
There are steps residents can take to avoid getting sick, though.
Doctors said it’s not too late to get a flu shot, but they also said cleaning your house is a very effective tool, as well.
“Viruses can get on inanimate surfaces and, depending on the nature of the inanimate surface, they can last for about 15 minutes,” said Vanderbilt Medical Center’s William Shaffner. “Sometimes, some viruses (last) as long as 24 hours.”
Officials recommended using anti-bacterial wipes to clean surfaces that are touched often — like doorknobs, faucet handles, light switches and the TV remote.
Until flu season is over, doctors also recommended replacing hand towels with paper towels. Hand towels are one of the most susceptible things in the home to growing bacteria.