PREVENTING PATHOGENIC INFECTIONS FROM FURNITURE & HOME FURNISHINGS

The summer season may be on the horizon, but I think it's fair to say that it's Coronavirus season! The panic surrounding this virus is palpable and people are scrambling to take any & every precaution they can. But the chances of infection can arise from any pathogen and from any place.

Whether it's a hotel, a school, office, care facility or even a home, none of these places are immune to bacterial, viral and other pathogenic contamination. The regions that often need the most attention are soft surfaces like carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains, bedspreads, mattresses and such. These soft surfaces are potential reservoirs of harmful pathogens that can cause infection.

So,

● What potentially dangerous pathogens dwell on these surfaces?

● How to effectively eliminate these microscopic threats?

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Let's begin with the answer to the first question:

Bacteria like MRSA, VRE, and influenza thrive on soft surfaces. Scientific studies have shown that while the influenza virus can survive for several hours on a soft surface, MRSA and VRE can survive on polyester fabric for as long as three months. With such long-time frames, the surface is likely to be touched while the pathogen is still alive.

Studies have further shown that:

● After treating hospital MRSA patients, more than 60% of nurses had uniforms contaminated with the same pathogen.

● Bacteria can be transferred to upholstery and fabric cushions, and then back to people.

● An Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak was linked to contaminated hospital privacy curtains.

On a positive note, soft surfaces in healthcare settings are more frequently studied. But similar surfaces in other settings should not be ignored. Facilities that provide areas for close personal contacts, such as schools and gyms, and especially daycare and long-term care facilities, are ideal breeding grounds for pathogens and infections.

Sanitizing soft surfaces should be a top priority.

THE COMMONLY CONTAMINATED AREAS:

Personal items like bedsheets in hotels and healthcare facilities are less of a concern for cross-contamination since they are laundered after use.

But materials such as furniture upholstery in common building areas, mats & pads in gyms & rehab facilities are very rarely sanitized and can contribute to the spread of pathogens among customers, patients, and staff.

The cycle of transmission continues even though infrequently touched items.

TREATMENT:

Professionals have got the process of disinfecting hard surfaces down to a science. But that’s not the case when it comes to soft surfaces. Furthermore, there are currently no specific guidelines/recommendations for treating soft surfaces on a regular basis.

The key to infection control on soft surfaces is to map out a comprehensive plan.

In addition to regular laundering, handwashing & soft surface sanitization for staff and customers are critical.

Here are the key points to summarize the infection control plan:

*Encourage good hygiene practices among the staff during routine cleanings.

*Routine laundering of curtains, linens, bedding, employee uniforms and other soft surfaces in your facility is vital.

*Use Government-registered products to kill pathogens on soft surfaces during laundering and also on soft surfaces that cannot be laundered. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Here's another tip that might come handy - Government-registered spray products that professional cleaners use to eliminate pathogens on soft surfaces can be easily incorporated into your regular cleaning routine to prevent the risks of infections.

I hope this writeup helps. Take all the precautions this viral season and stay safe.

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