Don’t let germs linger: Disinfecting after illness

You forget how good it feels to breathe through your nose easily or eat regular food when you finally recovered from an illness. The last thing you want is to get sick again or for someone else in your household to catch it. That is where disinfecting after illness comes into play.

Cleaning with soap and detergents removes most harmful viruses or bacteria from surfaces, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To kill the germs, you must first clean then disinfect using bleach and sanitizing sprays.

“Disinfecting your home after recovering from a sickness can help prevent reinfection and protect others from getting sick, especially those who are immunocompromised,” says Dr. Theresa Choi, a family medicine physician at Advocate Health Care. “Germs can survive on surfaces for hours or days, depending on the type of virus or bacteria.”

What to disinfect in your home after illness:

• High-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, faucets, countertops, keyboards, phones, remote controls and toys.
• Soft surfaces, such as carpets, rugs, curtains, upholstery and stuffed animals.
• Anything that has come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes should be cleaned or replaced, such as toothbrushes, towels, bed sheets, pillowcases and eyeglasses.
• Dispose of any used tissues in a sealed trash bag.
• Open your windows to let in fresh air.

Additional tips include wearing disposable gloves if you are disinfecting after a loved one who was sick and throwing out sponges and rags you used while cleaning.

“Besides disinfecting your house after illness, it’s important to practice proper handwashing, stay home when you’re sick and receive your flu and COVID shots as recommended to reduce your risk of getting ill or spreading germs,” Dr. Choi explains.

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