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Info 101: H1N1 virus: How to prevent its spread
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H1N1 Influenza Virus
Disease control has plagued humans from the beginning of man's existence. Until the invention of the microscope, microbes were invisible and fighting disease was primitive, to say the least. Imagine how fevers or even cancers were understood.
Today's knowledge about the mysterious world of viruses, bacteria, and fungus is beautifully rendered on film as dramatically as outer space photos of our galaxy. Because of this we are able to see what kills these these organisms to prevent their spread.
Besides hot water or hot air from the clothes dryer, what kills the H1N1 virus is located under the kitchen sinks and utility closets of most households:
1) hot water - most microbes die at 140 degrees (212 degrees is usually the boiling point of water). The H1N1 virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F). Used hot water for contaminated bed linen and clothes. Also, dry bed linen in the hottest setting of the clothes dryer.
2) Chlorine bleach and hydrogen peroxide - Chlorine is found in your household laundry product and used as a stain remover and sanitizer. Hydrogen peroxide can be cheaply purchased at a pharmacy. Wipe clean any surface touched by an infected person. Wash kitchen counters, and any other areas touched by family members.
3) soap - The acidity-alkalinity of liquids are measured as a difference from normal PH=7.0. Most living things need a normal PH to survive. Most detergents have higher than normal PH, making it toxic to the H1N1 virus. Therefore, washing with soap can kill the virus on hands.
4) iodine-based antiseptics- these are usually sold in pharmacies as wound medication. These iodine based antiseptics can kill the H1N1 virus
5) alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses but need to be concentrated and require repeated uses. Use alcohol where chlorine bleach cannot be used. For example, use alcohol to clean hands if other cleaners are not available.
6) Non-alcoholic hand sanitizers now dispensed throughout hospitals and offices may be useful.
Remember that a virus can live on a school desk, bathroom counter, kitchen counter, or refrigerator handle, or table for 2 to 8 hours. So the virus is spread by infected frequently used surfaces.
Stay connected with the Center for Disease Control's news about their findings. For mobile phone users, you can get the most up-to-date news releases about H1N1 influenza by using the link below.
For more info:
Get updated CDC news sent to your mobile, click here
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