"Stay Healthy Tips" for the Approaching Flu Season: Local SERVPRO cleaning and remediation specialist encourages Bedford residents to focus on personal accountability to limit spread of viral infections

​Flu season is upon us! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza activity often begins to increase in October, peaks between December and February, and can linger into May.1 At a time when COVID-19 is still the dominant infectious disease concern, cleaning and bioremediation specialist Ryan Wolfe of SERVPRO® of Lawrence, Owen, Greene & Martin Cos. reminds local residents that it is important this time of year to take steps to protect yourself and your family from influenza and other seasonal viral infections like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which can be especially serious for children and older adults.

Breathing in virus-laden droplets from an infected person's cough, sneeze, or speech from as far away as six feet is believed to be the prime means of virus transmission.2 Experts agree it is possible to become infected by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching your mouth, nose, or even eyes. The good news, says Wolfe, is that many viruses – including the flu, COVID, and RSV viruses – are easy to kill outside the body using soap and warm water, commercial disinfectants, and hand sanitizers that contain alcohol. As a leading provider of disaster clean-up and remediation services, SERVPRO professionals specialize in this type of surface cleaning and disinfection.

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"You can't do much to control the cleanliness of public places, but you can take steps to protect yourself from the consequences of any exposure," advises Wolfe. "At home or in the office, remember to pay special attention to 'high touch' surfaces. Doorknobs, faucets, countertops, appliance handles and knobs, the steering wheel of your car, your phone – these are examples of surfaces that you should get in the habit of wiping down at least daily with a disinfectant designed to kill viruses."

At the end of the day, says Wolfe, personal accountability is the single, most important factor in controlling the spread of viral infections, including the seasonal flu. Stay home if you are sick and follow suggested guidelines. The CDC offers additional "stay healthy" tips here: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm.

In addition to disaster recovery and remediation services, SERVPRO professionals provide residential deep cleaning services, including air duct and HVAC cleaning, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and odor removal. For more information on SERVPRO of Lawrence, Owen, Greene & Martin Cos., please contact Ryan Wolfe at (812) 275-2244 or rwolfe@servproofmarion.com. For more information about SERVPRO, please visit https://www.servpro.com/.