May 8, 2009
On April 29, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic alert from phase 4 to phase 5. Phase 5 involves human to human spread of the virus in at least two countries in one WHO region. Up to date information on the current Influenza outbreak can be found at The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (www.cdc.gov) or the World Health Organization website (www.who.int)
What is H1N1/Swine Flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.1
How many swine flu viruses are there?
Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.2
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.1
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.1
US EPA Guidance
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are currently tracking an H1N1 flu outbreak that has caused infections in humans in the United States, Mexico, Canada and other countries. Information on this web page will help you identify antimicrobial products that are registered by EPA to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces that may be contaminated with the 2009-H1N1 flu.
EPA registers pesticide products, including disinfectants. As part of the registration process, EPA evaluates the product efficacy to make sure the public health label claims are accurate. Currently, over 500 disinfectant products are registered for use on hard, non-porous surfaces against influenza A viruses. EPA believes, based on available scientific information, that the currently registered influenza A virus products will be effective against the 2009-H1N1 flu strain and other influenza A virus strains on hard, non-porous surfaces. For safe and effective use of these products, always follow label instructions for these products, paying special attention to the product’s dilution rate (if applicable) and contact time.
Choose a product whose label states that it is effective against "Influenza A virus" and lists your specific site of concern, such as: farm premises, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, schools, offices or homes.
As the CDC stresses, your first line of defense is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based cleaner. These registered disinfectant products are for use on hard, non-porous surfaces, such as door knobs, handles, tables, floors, etc. EPA emphasizes that these products are not to be used on the skin or to be taken orally.
The EPA has provided a list of disinfectants registered by EPA specifically for use against influenza A virus (Influenza A Registered disinfectants). This is not a complete list since some products may have different distributor or product names and may not be referenced. EPA plans to continue to update this list as more information becomes available. Approved products have label information which specifically states they provide effectiveness against “Influenza A virus.”
Sterifide's OneShot Plus Disinfects & Deodorizes product is registered with the US EPA with claims against Influenza A. Sterifide's OneShot Plus Disinfects & Deodorizes is a disinfectant intended for use on hard non-porous surfaces in hospitals, healthcare facilities, schools, offices and other public places as well as in homes. According to the US EPA recommendations and those of the CDC, Sterifide's OneShot Plus Disinfects & Deodorizes will be effective against the 2009-H1N1 flu strain and other influenza A virus strains on hard, non-porous surfaces when used according to the instructions on the label.
1: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm
2: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm
