Experts have revealed the most important surfaces to disinfect during the wave of winter illnesses.
The US is seeing skyrocketing rates of diseases like flu, RSV, Covid and norovirus, with the diseases totaling 15 million cases and 30,000 deaths so far this winter.
Hospitals in states like North Carolina and Massachusetts have even scaled back mask mandates to help curb the number of illnesses.
And amid what experts have called a “quad-demic” of winter infections, the CDC is monitoring rising rates of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory disease that is ravaging hospitals in China.
Although health officials have stated that the increase in HMPV cases is “not currently a cause for concern in the U.S.,” federal data suggests the numbers have doubled compared to this time last year.
HMPV and other respiratory diseases are spread through droplets that circulate in the air through speaking or coughing, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces such as countertops.
To help slow the spread of HMPV and other winter diseases, health experts recommend disinfecting high-touch areas such as light switches and doorknobs, as well as kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
Even dirty laundry, carpets and cell phones can harbor diseases. HMPV, which hospitalizes 20,000 American children under the age of five every year.
Health experts have warned that HMPV can live on surfaces such as worktops, mobile phones and children’s toys (stock image)
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HMPV first appeared in 2001 and typically causes cold symptoms such as coughing, fever and runny nose.
But more serious symptoms can occur, such as bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia, with patients experiencing shortness of breath, severe coughing or wheezing.
Tens of thousands of Americans contract HMPV every year, but few become sick enough to require treatment and testing.
Researchers estimate that one in 10 respiratory illnesses in American children are caused by HMPV.
Because the virus is usually mild, the exact fatality rate is unknown. But experts estimate that in the US, between 10 and 30 percent of patients hospitalized with HMPV die.
There are no vaccines or specific treatments for the disease.
HMPV is believed to live on surfaces for several hours.
The CDC recommends focusing on cleaning frequently touched surfaces to minimize the risk of HMPV. These include light switches, doorknobs, stair railings and even mobile phones.
The agency suggests cleaning these surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting them with sprays or wipes.
According to the CDC, the most effective disinfectants are labeled as broad-spectrum, meaning they kill a wide range of bacteria, and are fast-acting.
Children’s toys should also be washed and disinfected, as children are the most likely group to contract HMPV.
Experts have warned that HMPV, which causes flu-like symptoms, can linger in the body for days and can easily be passed on to others.
Recent research by cleaning products company Dettol has shown that eight in ten cuddly toys contain dangerous bacteria such as E. coli. Furthermore, nine out of ten toys fall on the floor where HMPV has been found.
The company also found that three in four children’s toys are never cleaned.
Ottawa Public Health in Canada recommends removing toys from the play area and placing them in a separate container. Toys can be cleaned with a brush and warm soapy water to get into any crevices.
They should also soak in the sanitizer for as long as the sanitizer is on the label before air drying.
The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting surfaces after visitors and after a household member has recovered from an illness such as HMPV or the flu.
Disposable products such as toothbrushes and sponges should also be replaced, as bacteria can live in the bristles and re-infect you.