-
Be in theKnowInfection Prevention & DisinfectionLearn what you need to know to protect yourself from common germs
It’s not just about COVID-19, staying vigilant about infection prevention and disinfection can help keep you safe from a whole host of microorganisms that cause disease.
KNOW THE ENEMIES
VIRUSES:
Infectious agents that replicate by infecting a living organism. Viruses cause a wide range of diseases, from seasonal flu to COVID-19. Common examples: Influenza, Norovirus, Coronavirus.
BACTERIA:
Microscopic organisms that are all around us. Most are harmless, but some types are pathogenic, meaning that they cause disease. Common examples: Hospital-acquired infections (Staphylococcus, C. difficile), foodborne infections (Salmonella, E. coli).
FUNGI:
A large group of organisms ranging from mushrooms we eat to microorganisms that cause disease. Common examples: ringworm, Candida, athlete’s foot.
Unlike bacteria and fungi, viruses are not actually alive! This means that they cannot replicate without using the cells of a living organism.
KNOW HOW PATHOGENS SPREAD
DIRECT CONTACT
Direct contact with infected individuals is a major way for pathogens to get around.
STAY SAFE TIP
The best way to prevent infections is also the simplest – avoid sick people!
AIRBORNE AND DROPLET TRANSMISSION
Respiratory droplets and airborne particles can spread pathogens when we cough or sneeze. These can be inhaled or picked up on our hands and infect us when we touch our face.
STAY SAFE TIP
Wear a mask, keep a safe distance from infected individuals, and wash your hands regularly.
FOODBORNE TRANSMISSION
In some cases, pathogens can spread through contaminated food. Common examples are bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
STAY SAFE TIP
Wash and cook your food properly, avoid cross contamination in the kitchen, and wash your hands thoroughly before eating.
FOMITE TRANSMISSION
Contaminated surfaces or objects are known as fomites and can also spread pathogens. Surfaces we touch most often pose the greatest risk.
STAY SAFE TIP
Clean and disinfect fomites regularly and practice hand hygiene.
Inanimate objects become “contaminated”, including clothing, devices and surfaces. People, animals and other living organisms become “infected”.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did You Know?
Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting do not all mean the same thing
They are actually different processes, although they all play a role in infection prevention.
CLEANING:
The process of removing dirt and debris from a surface. Cleaning is an important step and can remove a lot of the pathogen load from a surface, and prepare the surface for proper disinfection.
SANITIZING:
Reducing the number of bacteria on a surface to a safe level. This does not include other types of pathogens such as viruses and fungi, and does not necessarily kill bacteria to the level of disinfection.
DISINFECTION:
The process of killing pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. Disinfectants are registered with Health Canada or the EPA, and must be tested in an accredited facility. For higher risk surfaces, disinfection is a crucial step in keeping us healthy.
See the difference: The plates below shows the amount of germs before and after cleaning and disinfecting.
Before Cleaning
After Cleaning
After Disinfecting
Some disinfectants contain detergents so they can clean and disinfect at the same time. Bleach alone does not contain detergents or have cleaning capabilities.
Did You Know?
Disinfectants don’t kill on contact
All disinfectants need to stay wet on the surface for a certain length of time to be fully effective – this is known as contact time. This information can be found on the product label.
- Contact times can vary from 30 seconds all the way up to 10 minutes. If the disinfectant evaporates before the contact time is achieved, it will need to reapplied to work properly.
- Choosing a disinfectant with a rapid and realistic contact time can speed up the process and make it easier to comply with the instructions on the label.
Did You Know?
Not all disinfectants are toxic
Some disinfectants can be toxic, and negative side effects can include eye and skin irritation, respiratory issues, dizziness, and fertility complications. They can also impact the environment.
But, there are alternatives that are both safer and effective.
THE IDEAL DISINFECTANT SHOULD BE
- Non-toxic and non-irritating to people and animals
- Non-allergenic and non-sensitizing
- Non-hormone disrupting
- Biodegradable – which means it does not leave harmful residues behind in the environment
REMEMBER: Even with the safest products, it’s always important to read the label carefully to be aware of any safety precautions needed.
KNOW HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF SAFE
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Understand the basic principles of infection prevention: how disease is spread, good hand hygiene, using personal protective equipment, and effective cleaning and disinfection.
PRACTICE CHEMICAL SAFETY
- Always read the label whenever using disinfectants! It contains important information on how to use the product safely and effectively.
- Never mix disinfectants with other chemicals. This can result in an ineffective solution, or worse, a potentially dangerous reaction.
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Whether you’re in a healthcare environment,
a spa, your vet clinic, or anywhere in between, ask what is being done to prevent the spread of infection during COVID-19 and beyond.
Are they using a Health Canada or EPA-registered hospital disinfectant?
What safety protocols are they using for infection prevention?
Is hand sanitizer provided?
Are disinfectants being used properly, adhering to the contact time and label instructions?
A Vector is the spread of pathogens through an organism that acts as a carrier, such as a tick, flea or other humans.
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Virox® Technologies Inc. is dedicated to a Deliberately Different® approach to disinfection and created a powerful disinfectant called Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide®, or AHP®. AHP® is tough on germs, gentle on users, and sustainable for the planet.
AHP® is found in hospital-grade, professional disinfectants used in a variety of industries.
Salons & Spas
Transportation
Dental Clinics
Veterinary & Pet Services
Healthcare
Mold Remediation
Professional services and facilities using AHP® based disinfectants are doing their part to keep you and the environment safe. Ask your professional services if they are using a disinfectant with AHP®.
POWERFUL
Hospital-Grade
SAFE
Non-toxic
Non-irritating
COMPLIANT
Health Canada, EPA, FDA registered
ECO-FRIENDLY
Breaks Down into
Water and Oxygen
Our company, our technology, our approach to infection prevention is Deliberately Different, intentionally not like others, truly innovative, effective, and sustainable. — Randy Pilon, President and CEO, Virox® Technologies Inc.
Stay in the know by signing up for our 5-part BE IN THE KNOW newsletter