KellyReynolds

The best way to avoid catching the flu from another member of your household is to isolate that member to as few rooms as possible and be diligent about disinfecting surfaces that the ill person has contacted. While flu viruses can spread through aerosol droplets (i.e, coughing and sneezing), they tend to stay very localized in the air and only for a short time. You are much more likely to come in contact with the virus when you touch contaminated surfaces where they can survive for hours to days!. So...surface disinfecting and handwashing are your best defenses.

The worst disease factory is the location where people are in contact with one another and the fewest germ prevention interventions are in place. Elementary schools are a likely first choice as the germiest place. However, through extensive education and outreach in these areas, we see very high awareness among teachers and school administrators about germ prevention. Due to increased handwashing and surface disinfecting practices, our schools may be some of the cleanest environments around- but we should ask ourselves when was the last time we disinfected our own kitchen or desk???

The flu vaccine is proven to dramatically reduce morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) rates in a population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists vaccination as the best preventative measure for the flu.

Thank you all for the great questions and discussion. Stay well!

Kelly Reynolds, PhD

Good point- similarly faucet handles, light switches and doorknobs! How does one get out of the bathroom without recontaminating their hands??? The key is routine disinfectant use on commonly touched surfaces. While the areas will not be sterilized, the goal is to reduce your risk of exposure by reducing the germ count on the surfaces around you and on your hands. Sponges, cell phones, remote controls are hot spots for decon in the home!