Focus on personal accountability can limit spread of viral infections

Flu season is here. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity often begins to increase in October, peaks between December and February, and can linger into May.

At a time when COVID-19 is still the dominant infectious disease concern, cleaning and bioremediation specialists with Servpro remind Lewes-area residents that it is important this time of year to take steps to protect themselves and their family members from influenza and other seasonal viral infections like respiratory syncytial virus, which can be especially serious for children and older adults.

Breathing in virus-laden droplets from an infected person's cough, sneeze or speech from as far away as six feet is believed to be the prime means of virus transmission. Experts agree it is possible to become infected by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes. The good news, according to the cleaning specialists at Servpro, is that many viruses – including the flu, COVID, and RSV viruses – are easy to kill outside the body using soap and warm water, commercial disinfectants and hand sanitizers that contain alcohol. As a leading provider of disaster clean-up and remediation services, Servpro professionals specialize in this type of surface cleaning and disinfection.

"You can't do much to control the cleanliness of public places, but you can take steps to protect yourself from the consequences of any exposure," said Rick Isaacson, CEO of Servpro Industries LLC. "At home or in the office, remember to pay special attention to high-touch surfaces. Doorknobs, faucets, countertops, appliance handles and knobs, the steering wheel of your car, your phone – these are examples of surfaces that you should get in the habit of wiping down at least daily with a disinfectant designed to kill viruses."

At the end of the day, said Isaacson, personal accountability is the single most important factor in controlling the spread of viral infections, including the seasonal flu. People who are sick should stay home and follow public health guidelines.

For CDC tips to stay healthy, go to cdc.gov.

In addition to disaster recovery and remediation services, Servpro professionals provide residential deep-cleaning services, including air duct and HVAC cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and odor removal.

For more information, go to Servpro.com or call 302-856-9768.