Experts have revealed the most important surfaces to disinfect amid surges in winter illnesses.
The US is seeing skyrocketing rates of illnesses like the flu, RSV, Covid and norovirus, with the diseases totaling 15million cases and 30,000 deaths so far this winter.
Hospitals in states like North Carolina and Massachusetts have even brought back mask mandates to help curb the rate of illnesses.
And amid what experts have dubbed a ‘quad-demic’ of winter infections, the CDC is monitoring surging rates of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory disease ravaging hospitals in China.
While health officials have stated increases in HMPV cases are ‘not currently a cause for concern in the US,’ federal data suggests rates have doubled compared to this time last year.
HMPV and other respiratory illnesses spread through droplets that circulate in the air from speaking or coughing, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces like countertops.
To help slow the spread of HMPV and other winter illnesses, health experts recommend sanitizing high-touch areas like light switches and doorknobs, as well as kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Even dirty laundry, carpets, and cell phones can harbor illnesses HMPV, which hospitalizes 20,000 US children under five every year.
Health experts have warned that HMPV can live on surfaces like countertops, cell phones, and children’s toys (stock image)
HMPV first emerged in 2001 and typically causes symptoms of a common cold like cough, fever, and runny nose.
But more severe symptoms such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia can occur, with sufferers experiencing a shortness of breath, severe cough or wheezing.
Tens of thousands of Americans catch HMPV each year but few become sick enough to need treatment and get tested.
Researchers estimate one in 10 respiratory illnesses in US children are caused by HMPV.
Because the virus is usually mild, its exact death rate is unknown. But experts estimate anywhere from 10 to 30 percent of patients hospitalized with HMPV die in the US.
There are no vaccines or specific treatments for the disease.
HMPV is thought to live on surfaces for several hours.
The CDC recommends focusing on cleaning high-touch surfaces to minimize the risk of HMPV. These include light switches, doorknobs, stair railings, and even cell phones.
The agency suggests cleaning these surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting them with sprays or wipes.
According to the CDC, the most effective disinfectants are labelled as broad spectrum, meaning they kill a wide range of bacteria, and fast-acting.
Children’s toys should also be washed and disinfected, as children are the most likely group to contract HMPV.
Experts have cautioned that HMPV, which produces flu-like symptoms, can lurk in the body for days and so it can be easily passed on to others
Recent research from cleaning product company Dettol found that eight in 10 soft toys harbor dangerous bacteria like E coli. Additionally, nine in 10 toys are dropped on the floor, where HMPV has been found.
The company also found that three in four children’s toys are never cleaned.
Ottawa Public Health in Canada recommends removing toys from their play area and putting them in a separate container. Toys can be cleaned with a brush and hot, soapy water to get into any crevices.
They should also soak in disinfectant for as long as the disinfectant says on its label before airdrying.
The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting surfaces after having visitors and after a household member recovers from an illness like HMPV or the flu.
Disposable products like toothbrushes and sponges should also be replaced, as bacteria can live in the bristles and re-infect you.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .