The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) offers valuable cleaning tips to prevent influenza in schools. During the winter months especially, sicknesses are prevalent. Flu is common among kids and easily spread, and it’s important for schools and daycare centers to follow best practices to keep children healthier and avoid infection.
We’ve listed some of these tips and practices below.
Six Cleaning Tips to Prevent Influenza in Schools
- Frequent cleaning and disinfection. When cleaning, it’s important to focus on high touch surfaces. That includes doorknobs, light switches, keyboards and handrails. Be sure to use EPA-approved disinfectants, and follow swell time to ensure effectiveness.
- Promote hand hygiene. Keep an adequate supply of soap and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol available for children, and encourage students and staff to wash their hands frequently, especially before meals and after coughing or sneezing.
- Improve indoor air quality. Keep the room ventilated by opening windows on warmer days. Use air purifiers and HEPA filters in the classrooms. Maintain HVAC systems, and replace the filters regularly.
- Encourage respiratory etiquette. Remind children that they should cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue. Ensure that tissues and trash bins for their disposal are available.
- Establish routine cleaning protocols. Your daycare center or school should have a cleaning schedule that includes daily disinfection of common areas. In addition, be sure to train janitorial staff to use PPE and proper cleaning techniques.
- Encourage sick children and staff to stay home. If students or staff are showing symptoms or obviously sick, encourage them to stay home and avoid infecting others. There should be a communication plan in place to inform parents about illness outbreaks too.
Need Professional Cleaning Services For Your Daycare Center?
If you own a daycare center in the greater Philadelphia area, New Jersey or Delaware, and you’re seeking a professional cleaning service, Daycare Cleaning Services is here for you. We provide exceptional cleaning services throughout the region, and we have a 95% client retention rate. We’re happy to meet with you for a consultation, and show you how your cleaning services can be better. Click here to schedule a meeting with us.
Follow DCCS on Facebook for more school cleaning tips, including preventing influenza and transmitting other viruses.
