No one wants to get the flu, so businesses, offices and schools are all taking big steps to make sure they stay as clean as they can. That’s where the folks at Germ Blast come in.
The flu can live on surfaces for more than a week, according to Germ Blast.
“You have to diligent about what you touch, about who you touch. If you’re sick, stay home. And hand washing,” said Germ Blast microbiologist Nadal Halimeh.
Disinfecting surfaces, handwashing and covering your mouths are necessary steps to avoid the flu. Killing germs is a full-time job this flu season for Germ Blast.
“We have been extraordinarily busy. In fact, it’s so hard to keep up,” said Germ Blast CEO Rodney Madsen.
They are getting calls to help disinfect from just about everybody.
“Ironically, this is a unique year. Typically the vast majority of our business has been in school districts, hospitals, clinics,” said Madsen. “This year, it’s the gambit. Everything to retail stores, nurseries and day cares.”
The flu vaccine is only about 30 percent effective this year. According to a Walgreens Flu Index, Texas is the No. 1 state with flu activity.
“Everyone is experiencing the flu across the state. Texas was one of the first states to see a huge influx of flu, but today we’re really seeing a huge uptick in volume in West Texas,” said Madsen. “So be watchful for it, be aware and do the things to help prevent it.”
And surprisingly, the lack of rain in the region is contributing to the spread of the virus.
“The more water in the air, the virus can drop out. When there’s not much humidity, it can linger in the air a little longer,” said Halimeh. “If you walk through a cloud of where someone has been coughing, the chances are higher you could get that infection.
Doctors recommend using hand sanitizer, frequently washing your hands and wiping down all surfaces.
