top of page
Search
Writer's pictureDr Rahuls Elder Care

Disinfecting Your Home Against Covid-19

Updated: Mar 25, 2023


Since the December outbreak in Wuhan, China, the new coronavirus has spread rapidly, with more than 294,000 confirmed cases in 186 countries as of mid March. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus that causes the disease known as COVID-19 seems to be spreading in the community in certain affected geographic areas. As with any virus, however, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself.


How to clean and Disinfect your Home ?


Cleaning and Disinfecting


Cleaning refers to the removal of germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces. Cleaning does not kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.


Disinfecting refers to using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.


Disinfecting


HIGH TOUCH SURFACES


  • Door knobs

  • Calling bell( door bells)

  • Elevators switches

  • Remote control

  • Switches

  • Pen, Torch

  • Mobile phones

  • Arm rest of chairs, Dining Table




WHAT IS CONTACT TIME?


  • Minimum time the disinfectant needs to be in contact with the surface for maximum effectiveness.

  • Recommended Contact time is atleast 10 minutes

  • Follow Manufacturers guideline on need for water based rinse off.


RINSE OFF THE DISINFECTANT FROM SURFACE ONLY AFTER 10 minutes

RECOMMENDED HOME BASED DISINFECTANTS FOR COVID-19


HYPOCHLORITE SOLUTION (Any bleach solution)


  • Example of Common household disinfectant - Harpic, Chlorox

  • Look in ingredient list- Sodium Hypochlorite

  • Recommended concentration 0.5 percent and more

  • Can be made at home with bleaching powder ( Caution advised)

  • Bleach can corrode metal surfaces and plastic; caution advised


RECOMMENDED HOME BASED DISINFECTANTS FOR COVID-19


QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS


  • Example of common household Disinfectant – Lyzol

  • Look in ingredients – Benzalkonium Chloride

  • Can be corrosive on fragile surfaces- caution advised


RECOMMENDED HOME BASED DISINFECTANTS FOR COVID-19


ALCOHOL BASED DISINFECTANT


  • Alcohol based hand rub containing more than 60 percent ethanol or 70 percent propyl alcohol

  • Can be used for electronic equipment; computer screens, mobile phones


WHEN CLEANING FLOOR..


  • Floor needs to be cleaned and disinfected atleast once daily

  • Follow manufacture's guideline in diluting the product.


GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS DURING DISINFECTING


  • Use disposable gloves when disinfecting- either examination gloves or normal household gloves.

  • Hand wash after disinfecting

  • DILUTE WHEN CLEANING FLOOR, USE UNDILUTED ON HIGH TOUCH SURFACES

  • Maintain well ventilated rooms while disinfecting with home made bleach mixture

  • Disinfect high touch surfaces as frequently as possible

  • DON’T MIX DISINFECTANTS.


HAND WASHING


  • Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol may be used.

  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

  • KEY TIMES TO CLEAN HANDS include:

  • After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing

  • After using the restroom

  • Before eating or preparing food

  • After contact with animals or pets

  • Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g. a child)


Reference

WHO Interim guidance on Home care for patients with suspected novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection presenting with mild symptoms, and management of their contacts- Who.int. 2020. Home Care For Patients With COVID-19 Presenting With Mild Symptoms And Management Of Their Contacts. [online] Available at: <https://www.who.int/publications-detail/home-care-for-patients-with-suspected-novel-coronavirus-(ncov)-infection-presenting-with-mild-symptoms-and-management-of-contacts> [Accessed 20 March 2020].


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Environmental Cleaning And Disinfection Recommendations. [online] Available at:<https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html> [Accessed 20 March 2020].


"We are excited to announce that we have expanded our geriatric care clinic to Kochi, also known as Cochin, in Kerala. Our experienced team of doctors and nurses is dedicated to providing high-quality medical care and compassionate support to seniors and their families. We offer a range of services, including doctor consultation, doctor consultation at home, and nursing. Whether you need medical attention for yourself or your loved ones, we are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience the difference at Dr. Rahul's Elder Care."

3,292 views0 comments

Комментарии


bottom of page