Swine Influenza Cleanup and Decontamination
Swine influenza also known as the H1N1 virus is a strain of influenza that consequentially causes serious respiratory infections in pigs. The name swine flu was coined because of its initial infection of pigs, however, whilst this type of influenza is contained in swine, it does not cause the form of influenza that is currently present in the human population. The mutation of the virus from pigs to human population has now been thought to contain a lethal strain of combination influenzas including human influenza, bird influenza, and swine influenza. The H1N1 virus is extremely contagious and is spread from human to human contact via hugs, kisses, and by touching contaminated surfaces that contain the virus. Additionally, the H1N1 virus also carries several similarities as traditional influenza including fever, cough, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, and body aches. It is important for in order to prevent contamination among people, that humans cover their mouths when coughing, limiting kissing and greeting gestures such as shaking hands and hugs.
Moreover, it is equally important for all contaminated areas to be quarantined and thoroughly cleaned. Nonetheless, any surface that has come into contact with the virus should be scrubbed with antibacterial disinfectants. These surfaces include but are not limited to countertops, school desks, door handles, public water fountains, and any other surface that has come into contact with the H1N1 virus. Firstly, depending upon the type of disinfectant used each surface should be quarantined so that cross contamination does not occur. For example, classrooms that are suspected of contamination should be closed off from other areas of the school. Moreover, those who will be responsible for decontamination should wear protective masks, gloves, clothes, and shoe covers to prevent the spread of the virus outside of the contaminated area. The key to decontamination of the H1N1 virus is the product used to disinfect.
The best product thus has been identified DepHyze. DepHyze is the world’s most effective antimicrobial and chemical decontaminant. DepHyze was primarily developed for military purposes to combat chemical and biological warfare. DepHyze is also effective in neutralizing anthrax and E-coli. Nonetheless, DepHyze was specifically tested on the H1N1 virus in 2005 and was proven to be 100 percent effective in decontamination. However, DepHyze is costly and is not easily obtainable for the average person or even for most business or school systems. An alternative to DepHyze is simple Chlorox bleach. Chlorox bleach is 99 percent effective in destroying the traditional influenza virus. Moreover, since the H1N1 outbreak in April 2009, the U.S. E.P.A. (Environmental Protection Agency)has also approved Chlorox brand Regular Bleach, Chlorox brand Disinfecting Wipes, and Chlorox brand Clean-Up Cleaner with Bleach Spray Cleaner as an effective decontamination solution for the decontamination of the H1N1 Virus. Simply dilute Chlorox Regular Bleach with ¼ cup for every one gallon of hot water and spray or saturate the surface or are with the solution, allow a few minutes to penetrate and wipe away. The Chlorox Disinfecting Wipes and Chlorox brand Clean-Up Cleaner with Bleach Spray Cleaner do not require any additional dilution as they are ready for use directly from the container. Simply wipe of spray the effected area with the solution and wipe clean. Ultimately, sanitation and decontamination is important in preventing the spread and containing the H1N1 influenza virus.
