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TUCSON, Ariz. -- It only takes one child coming home with the flu for the virus to spread to phones, doorknobs and nearly 60 percent of surfaces in a household, according to a new study published by the Journal of Infection. The study, conducted by researchers at The University of Arizona, studied the presence of Influenza A virus, the virus most commonly associated with the flu, in day care centers and in the homes of families with children enrolled in the programs. In the centers, researchers found Influenza A on 53 percent of surfaces tested during the spring. In homes, during March 2003, where one child had the flu, the number was higher -- 59 percent of all surfaces tested positive for the virus. "It may come as a surprise to many parents that we detected high levels of influenza virus in March," says Stephanie Boone, study co-author and doctoral candidate in soil, water and environmental science at the University of Arizona. "However, our study was conducted during a late flu season, similar to this year's flu season. With flu activity now increasing later than usual, we need to be extra careful this time of year and do what we can to prevent the spread of the flu virus even during the early spring months." The researchers tested the most commonly touched household surfaces, including phones, refrigerator handles, kitchen faucets and light switches. Phone receivers were the biggest problem area -- 80 percent tested positive for the virus. In day care centers, kitchen dishcloths were most likely to test positive for the virus -- 58 percent -- followed by diaper changing areas -- 57 percent. In both homes and centers, bathroom surfaces were among the least contaminated surfaces, a result that did not surprise Boone. "Most people clean their bathrooms regularly, reducing the likelihood of germs in those areas," Boone said. "But people rarely think to clean their phone receivers and they are at the top of the list." The lower presence of the virus overall in centers also could be related to cleaning practices. "With so many children in one place, day care centers typically are careful to follow regular cleaning and disinfecting routines to reduce the potential transmission of viruses and bacteria," Boone said. "In fact, we found infant and toddler toys -- where the highest level of germs could be expected -- actually showed the lowest presence of Influenza A among all surfaces tested. Day care centers typically disinfect toys at least once a day." Previous studies report that the introduction of the flu virus into a household by one family member can cause disease in about two-thirds of other family members. The flu is responsible for approximately 38 million missed school days and 70 million lost workdays each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu season is late hitting this year, with high flu activity only now being reported in many areas of the country. "These studies show how easy it is to spread the flu virus from place to place," says Boone. "Regularly disinfecting commonly used surfaces and washing hands will help cut down on the amount of viral transmission." As part of a two-year study on the health of children in day care, the study -- funded by The Clorox Company -- examined the occurrence of the Influenza A virus on commonly touched surfaces in eight homes and 14 day care centers in Tucson, Ariz. Children resided in all of the homes sampled; five of the eight homes had at least one ill child experiencing flu-like symptoms for at least three days or more in March 2003 when the homes were tested (the day care centers referred the homes with ill children). The other three homes were tested during the summer months when no ill children or adults were present. All of the homes and day care centers were sampled using a sterile polyester fiber-tipped applicator swab and the virus was detected using nucleic-acid based scientific methods. During March 2003, researchers detected the flu virus on 59 percent of the surfaces in the homes with ill children; however, the virus was not detected on any surfaces during the summer months. In the day care centers, 53 percent of the surfaces tested positive for the flu virus during the spring months (March through May), but only 23 percent of the surfaces tested positive for the virus during the fall (September through November). Below is a detailed look at the key study findings. The flu virus contaminated various percentages of the following sample surfaces in homes and day care centers: Home Surfaces * Phone receivers (80%) * Doorknobs (60%) * TV remotes (60%) * Microwaves (60%) * Light switches (60%) * Refrigerator handles (60%) Day Care Surfaces * Kitchen dishcloths (58%) * Diaper changing areas (57%) * Bath drains (46%) * Kitchen drains (45%) * Toilet seat tops (42%) * Toilet floors (41%) According to the CDC, each year in the United States the flu causes illness in approximately 5 percent to 20 percent of the population, an estimated 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths. Because the flu virus is airborne, it is easily transmitted via coughing, sneezing and talking, placing nearly everyone at risk for exposure. Areas where people gather, such as homes, day care centers and offices, are likely locations for catching the flu. Generally, cleaning with disinfecting products can help reduce the possibility of viral transfer, transmission and possible infection. Simple steps, such as disinfecting commonly touched surfaces at home, in day care centers and in the workplace can help reduce exposure to germs that could make you sick. Source: University of Arizona, Tucson
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