Cleaning and Disinfection
Influenza viruses including the pH1N1 strain can survive on environmental surfaces (e.g. counters, door knobs, hand rails, phones, computer keyboards, elevator buttons, etc.) for a prolonged period of time. However, they are susceptible to certain disinfectants. The following practices should be used to reduce or eliminate the risk of contamination:
- disinfect after cleaning
- wear gloves when in contact with chemical solution
- wear a surgical mask and gloves when cleaning and disinfecting in a sick person’s room
- prepare diluted solutions for cleaning and disinfection daily
- follow manufacturers’ instructions when using disinfectant products e.g. household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite), 70% alcohol, and 0.5 % accelerated hydrogen peroxide, etc.
Product recommendation for environmental cleaning and disinfection
Product
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Surface soiled with blood, body fluids, secretion, etc.
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General cleaning and disinfection
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Household bleach (5 % sodium hypochlorite)
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After cleaning the spilled/contaminated area with disposable towels, dilute 1 part with 10 parts of water (5000 ppm ) to wipe surfaces and allow 10 - 15 minutes contact time.
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Dilute 1 part with 50 parts of water (1000 ppm), wipe surfaces and leave to air dry.
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70% alcohol wipes
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Not recommended. (Alcohol is inactivated by organic matter and leaves no residual effect)
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Wipe surfaces with friction.
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0.5 % Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide
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After cleaning the spilled/contaminated area with disposable towels, use the product (5000 ppm) to wipe surfaces and allow 5 minutes contact time.
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Dilute 1 part with 5 parts of water (1000 ppm), wipe surfaces and leave to air dry.
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PDF Version
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