advice on cleaning surfaces to prevent cold/flu infections

[lamettarules]

I'm paranoid that DD will catch whatever it is I've got ( dry cough ,temp ,sneezing ,wild headaches )in time for A2 unit exams in January .
Googling tells me that flu germs ( or whatever they are ) survive longer than colds and more so on hard surfaces .
I'm washing my hands endlessly ,also using gel and wiping keyboard ,phone etc with those spectacle wipes .
I don't have any special wipes and figured these might be alcohol based .
Feel to run down to look in shops .
Any advice ?

Try and keep away from her as much as possible e.g. she revises in her room while you are elsewhere. If you are sneezing don't sit near her at the dining table. Open the windows and get some fresh air in. Don't let DD get run down e.g. good sleep, not much alcohol etc. Get DD to carry antiseptic gel with her and use it after travelling on public transport and before eating / drinking and ask her to stay away from friends / classmates who are obviously ill.

Flu viruses are highly contagious so being in close proximity with an infected person - and they may not have symptoms - means that you will be exposed to it. The message about handwashing is all right - up to a point. that point is that it is actually touching the face - eyes, nose and mouth - with contaminated hands that usually provides the route for the virus to gain entry. As anyone with children knows it is well nigh impossible to stop children doing this - my DD is 12 and touches her face all the time! But if one can encourage older children to consciously drop this habit then it should help. Not touching surfaces whilst out and about might also help. When mine were toddlers they didn't suck their mittens either. Good luck!

Not about cleaning but I am fairing better than usual taking vitamin D 1200mcg there has been some recent research on this reducing colds and flu (sorry I can't recall detail but it was a study carried out in Japan IRC). I'm always very good with hand washing and sanitising surfaces at home. But I have read (also can't cite this sorry) that as to whether handwashing reduces transfer, this has not been established scientifically.

I would second the vit d vote. It's vitamin D3 in particular you want to use (cholecalciferol) - here's a medical paper if you need to read more.

I use Biocare Liquid D which is suitable for children and you just add 4 drops to their food/drink so it's really easy to get them to take.

My DS1 has been significantly less poorly than his friends this winter - obviously I don't know if it's the D3 but I think it helps.

I dont know if this will help but I thought it an excellent tip. I cannot cite my source sorry but I do remember it was a 'proper' one.

If you are going to sneeze and are caught out without a tissue sneeze into the inside of your elbow. Obviously this isnt instead of hygine, tissues etc but its far better than sneezing into the air or onto your hands if you are not going to be able to wash you hands (on a train, bus etc).

When cleaning dont forget light switches, flushes, door handles and panels, phones and tv remotes etc.

I am not mad honest. I had a child with a severely comprimised immune system so I learnt all this stuff through neccesity.

Yes - I do the elbow sneezing if caught out !

Yes - the elbow thing is true.

I actually sneeze with my mouth closed.
Not sure if anyone can do it (I'm certain someone can) but I started doing it when I was waitressing and needed to sneeze. I literally sneeze with my mouth completely closed and it stops any germs escaping.

If only everybody did it - then flu would be less prevalent I'm sure. DH sneezes open mouthed and spreads it about 2 miles in 3 seconds

I work at a doctors surgery and I was just discussing this with one of the nurses this morning. She said the best thing you can do is just make sure you wash your hands regularly and don't touch your face. You could always buy some antibacterial gel or wipes if you are somewhere that you can't wash your hands.

That is a far more effective way of stopping germs being spread than worryinhg about cleaning too many surfaces.