Many people are aware that a virus of any kind is brutal. But don’t worry, there are many ways to keep any virus at bay. By following these recommendations and guidelines, you’ll help to keep your apartment free from a virus, while also doing your part to help keep any virus from spreading.

Since the flu virus can live in every corner of the house for 24 hours, try to disinfect the hard surfaces that anyone who has been sick has touched. Paying particular attention to the sick person’s bedroom and bathroom. Use an antibacterial cleaner on crucial spots such as tabletops, countertops, remote controls, computer keyboards, doorknobs, sinks, light switches, faucet handles, sinks, countertop, tub, and toilet (including the entire seat and the toilet handle).

Another option is to disinfect areas using a cleaning solution of 1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Let the solution sit on the surface for about five minutes. Rinse it out, and then allow it to air-dry. Keep the germs from spreading unintentionally. After using the mop on floors of the contaminated room and bathroom, soak the mop head in a solution of 1/2 cup bleach and one gallon of water for 15-20 minutes. Avoid re-using the cleaning materials in other parts of the house. Please put them in the washer instead.

To sanitize kids’ items such as non-electric plastic/metal toys, sippy cups, teething rings, bottle nipples, and dishes - wash the items first, then soak them for two minutes in a solution of 2 teaspoons of bleach per gallon of water. Rinse in warm water then air dry.

Take note of this regular bedroom-cleaning regimen: place a wastebasket in the sick room to catch all those used tissues – and make sure to line the basket with a plastic grocery bag to minimize contact with germs. Empty the wastebasket every day, and replace the bag each time. If the wastebasket becomes grungy – especially if the sick person uses it when nauseous - disinfect and rinse it thoroughly. Clean the inside and outside with a solution of ½ cup bleach and ¾ gallon of water. Let it sit for two minutes to disinfect, and then rinse it with warm water and air dry.

Dust can be extra irritating when someone is sick, so it’s good to dust the furniture — especially the headboard and the nightstand — and don’t forget to vacuum the floor, making sure to get in the corners and under the bed.

Move stale air out and open the windows every day to let a little bit of fresh air in. Although you don’t need to open the windows all day, just a couple of hours is enough to freshen the room.

The items a sick person has used such as towels, bedding, and clothes, are usually full of germs, so don’t “hug” them as you take them to the washer. It will transfer the germs to your body. Instead, put the dirty clothes in a laundry basket, and don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly after loading the washer.

After washing the items, take the time to clean your washing machine until it is dry. The wet part in the washer is a breeding spot for germs. Let it run an empty cycle of hot water and pour some bleach to the dispenser, then let it run again to ensure the bleach is gone.

Another tip to keep your apartment free from a virus is to never share bath towels or hand towels with a person who has the flu. It is better to use paper towels than cloth hand towels to keep the germs from spreading. Keep the sick person’s toothbrush away from those of other family members.

While there’s any virus in your home, use disposable paper towels or germ-grabbing microfiber cloths for cleaning and not sponges. Just remember to wash microfiber cloths daily.

The virus of the flu spreads when the ill person coughs, sneezes or even talks, affecting people as far as 6 feet away. Flu germs also spread by touching a surface that has flu viruses on it. That’s why it is good to keep the patient confined to a bedroom and make sure that the patient only uses one bathroom. It reduces exposure to the rest of the family and limits the areas you will have to disinfect.

During flu season, clean hands are just as important as a clean house. To get rid of the virus, wash hands all over with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Every member of the family should wash hands after using the bathroom, being outside or being in contact with the sick person, before eating, and before touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.

If a member of the family gets the flu, it is also recommended to see your doctor and to take an antiviral medication like Tamiflu, which can be useful even if taken beyond the recommended second day of sickness.

Following these tips on how to keep your apartment free from a virus will be beneficial to keeping members of your household healthy during the winter season and all year long.

If you are looking for a Branson apartment to call home, contact Thousand Hills Realty at (417) 337-8081. We are Branson’s premier property management company and we would appreciate the opportunity to assist you in your search.