The flu, or influenza, is a very contagious respiratory disease that can be the cause for a lot of symptoms, from mild to severe. Every year, millions of people get the flu, some get hospitalized, and in rare cases, some people die. As the flu season is coming, many people are trying to find ways to protect themselves and their families from the flu viruses.
Even if the vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent this disease, it’s also important to know how to kill the viruses in the environment and on the surfaces that might be contaminated. Today, we will see which are the 9 things that actually kill the flu viruses and how they can help you stay healthy and reduce the risk of infection.
1. Disinfectants and Household Cleaners
One of the easiest and most effective ways to destroy flu viruses in your house is by using disinfectants. Common household disinfectants, such as bleach-based solutions or hydrogen peroxide, are really good at killing flu viruses on all types of surfaces. These viruses can survive on surfaces for several hours, or even days, so cleaning your doorknobs, light switches, and countertops is a must during flu season.
For maximum effect, you should let the disinfectant do its job for a while before wiping it off. You should also read the instructions on the label because using the product improperly could reduce its effectiveness.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar, in particular white vinegar, is a natural substance that has been proven to have antiviral properties. Studies have shown that vinegar can kill a wide range of viruses, including flu viruses. It works by destroying the membrane of the virus and neutralizing its ability to infect.
To use vinegar for disinfecting, mix it with water in a spray bottle and apply it to surfaces that may have been in contact with the viruses. Even if vinegar is very effective, it is not as strong as chemical disinfectants like bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, it might be better to use it for routine cleaning and maintenance rather than as a sole defense against the flu.
3. Essential Oils
Some essential oils have antiviral properties and can help reduce the spread of the flu viruses. The most well-known essential oils for fighting the flu are tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, and lavender oil. These oils have compounds that can help reduce the presence of viruses in the air or on some surfaces.
One common way to use essential oils for flu prevention is by diffusing them in a room using a diffuser. The antiviral properties of these oils can help purify the air and reduce the spread of viruses. You can also mix essential oils with water and apply them to surfaces, although they should be used with caution because they can cause irritations to some people.
4. Ethanol and Isopropyl Alcohol
In addition to bleach-based products, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol are also really good disinfectants that can kill the flu viruses on surfaces. These alcohols can be found in various household products, such as surface disinfectants and rubbing alcohol. Some studies have shown that ethanol and isopropyl alcohol can be effective in killing the flu viruses by destroying their membranes.
To use these alcohols, you can simply apply them to a clean cloth or surface and let them sit for a few minutes before wiping them off. You should keep in mind that ethanol and isopropyl alcohol can be harsh on some materials, like plastic or painted surfaces, so always do a test patch before using it on a bigger area.
5. Antibacterial and Antiviral Wipes
Antibacterial and antiviral wipes are the most convenient way to clean your house and kill any germs all at once. They can contain ingredients such as quaternary ammonium compounds or alcohol, which have been proven to kill flu viruses.
You should use them daily on high-touch surfaces. Wipe down these surfaces, such as light switches, doorknobs, remote controls, and phones. Make sure that they stay wet for the recommended contact time, which is usually around 4 minutes, to make sure that they are effective and that the virus is destroyed. Be sure to read the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions about the needed time to leave the surface wet before wiping it off.
6. UV Light
Ultraviolet (UV) light can also kill the flu viruses. UV light has virus-killing properties and is used to disinfect air, water, and some surfaces, even in hospitals and laboratories. UV light destroys the DNA or RNA of the virus so that it can’t multiply.
Although UV light is not usually something that people use in their homes to disinfect surfaces, some products on the market, such as UV sterilizing wands and air purifiers with UV technology, can be really good at destroying these viruses, including the flu. However, you should be careful when using this type of product because the UV light can be damaging to the skin and eyes.
7. HIgh Tempreatures
Heat is another thing that can kill the flu viruses because they can’t survive well in higher temperatures. The CDC says that these viruses are less stable and less transmissible in warmer environments. In fact, the flu virus typically thrives in colder, drier conditions, which is why flu season tends to peak during the colder months.
To help reduce the spread of the flu, wash clothing, bedding, and other washable items in hot water and dry them on the highest heat setting. When doing laundry, you can add some laundry detergent that has antimicrobial properties. This will help you get rid of any flu particles on your clothes. You can also use hot water to clean some types of surfaces.
8. Steam Cleaners
As we already said, high temperatures are really effective at destroying any type of virus, so it makes sense that steam cleaners are another must-have during flu season. Steam cleaners use high-temperature steam to kill off any bacteria, germs, and viruses without the use of harsh chemicals. The heat from the steam destroys the proteins in the virus, killing it on contact. Steam cleaning can be used for disinfecting a variety of surfaces, including carpets, cushions, or even hard floors.
You should fill your steamer with water, but you can also add some type of alcohol or disinfectant for better results. This way, you can use it to clean surfaces like floors, tiles, and grout. Steam cleaning is really good in kitchens and bathrooms, where viruses are more likely to be present.
9. Proper Ventilation
Airflow plays an important role in preventing the spread of the flu viruses. The virus can linger in the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk, and can infect other people. By keeping your house well ventilated , you can help reduce the number of flu virus particles in the air.
Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate, or you can use air purifiers that have HEPA filters that can trap viral particles. Good ventilation can also reduce the moisture in your home, which is another factor that contributes to the survival of the virus.
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Read also: 10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Clean With Toothpaste
