keep property clean, avoid infections

The counry is still dealing with the H1N1 virus. The virus spreads from person to person and an unhygienic environment sets the stage for its transmission. Therefore, environmental hygiene will help to ensure a healthy working and living environment reducing the risk of respiratory infections and their transmission.

PRECAUTIONS AT HOME

Ensure the rooms are well-ventilated.Stale air is a substrate for respiratory infections. Open curtains to let natural light in as the UV rays act to kill viruses. Make sure air conditioners and coolers are cleaned regularly and permit circulation of fresh air Areas where children live and play, including floors and their toys, must be cleaned well and disinfected daily

PRECAUTIONS AT WORKPLACE

Clean and disinfect lifts, escalators, and staircases regularly Handrails and doorknobs should be cleaned and disinfected every day Counters, tabletops, and desks where there is high human contact should be sanitised daily High traffic areas like the entrance, lobby, corridors, and information counters should be sanitised daily. Ventilation and cooling systems should be inspected and maintained regularly. Cooling towers should be cleaned and disinfected daily
In the restroom, disinfect the water taps,cistern handles,seats,counters, and wash basins
Unclean premises promote breeding of mosquitoes which transmit dengue, chickungunya, and malaria.

Here are some steps to keep your home free from them:

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water,dirty and clean.At home,they usually breed in water storage tanks,large water drums, flower vases, near potted plants, ornamental pools and fountains, and water containers of pets.
Make sure that water is not left standing in the garden after watering the plants.Provide a system that will drain out excess water
Open drains attract mosquitoes. Ensure that drains are covered and regularly cleaned and desilted
Discard any used tires, old buckets, tins cans, and used appliances that may be lying in your backyard. Water can stagnate here and cause mosquito breeding
Cut any old tree that is dead or has large holes since water collecting here during the rains encourage mosquitoes
Avoid having thick shrubs and dense vegetation as this offers dark spots where mosquitoes generally breed. Plants like neem, tulsi, marigold, and rosemary are known to repel mosquitoes

(The author Dr Charit Bhograj is a consultant cardiologist)

( via - Times of India )