August 17, 2009—The Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI), in collaboration with the Simmons Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community, has produced guidelines for cleaning, janitorial, and maintenance staff to reduce the risk of spreading the H1N1 flu virus.
CIRI notes that swine flu is a new variant of the H1N1 strain of influenza type A. It is highly contagious and spreads from person to person in several ways: when an ill person sneezes or coughs infected droplets enter another person through the nose, mouth, or eyes; or the droplets can land on a contact surface (e.g., a doorknob) that is touched by another who then touches their face. A new H1N1 flu vaccine is being tested and should be available in limited supply for fall 2009.
The guidelines address:
- Measures to reduce the risk of infection for cleaning personnel;
- Routine cleaning procedures to reduce the risk of transmission during flu season or for any high-risk community; and
- Additional cleaning procedures during an H1N1 flu outbreak.
For the complete guidelines, visit the CIRI Web site (under News).
