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Prevent Outbreaks in the Classroom

Posted at 1:33 PM, Dec 08, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-08 13:34:50-05
Schools often represent a perfect storm for the spread of germs, and the illnesses those germs can cause can have major implications – from absenteeism to school closures and negative press as the result of outbreaks. In fact, each year, children miss nearly 60 million school days due to colds and flu aloneWith flu season ramping up and the highly contagious norovirus likely to spike between November and April, now is the time for schools to take action.
 
No matter how diligent schools are at cleaning, it can be impossible to reach every single surface where germs can spread. Influenza viruses can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours and norovirus particles can persist on surfaces for days and it only takes as few as 1-10 particles to infect a person. Hand washing, proper hygiene and frequent cleaning are all helpful, but what about the hard-to-reach places like the sides, undersides and backsides of chairs, desks, lockers, gym equipment and other surfaces that rarely get reached for disinfecting?