Can a mop fight swine flu? Docs say probably not

May 20, 2009

(AP) -- In scores of schools across the United States, the mop has been the weapon of choice in the fight against swine flu. Schools from New York to California have spent days disinfecting desks and tables after cases of the virus turned up. But health experts say those cleanings probably do little to control the spread of the disease.

The main reason is that the flu usually can live for just a few hours once it leaves an infected person's body. That means even if a student sneezes on a desk, most traces of the virus will be gone overnight.

Health officials say the best way to stop transmission is to cover your mouth when you sneeze and wash your hands frequently.

©2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


print this article email this article download pdf blog this article bookmark this article     Stumble it Digg this share on Facebook retweet share on Reddit add to delicious
Rate this story - not rated yet


May 20, 2009 all stories

Comments: 0

not rated yet
  • Stumble this up

  • Digg this

  • share this

  • hide
  • Related Stories

  • US no longer advising schools close for swine flu
    created May 05, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0
  • Swine flu cases up to 7, probe expanding
    created Apr 23, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0
  • Mexico City closes museums to stop flu outbreak
    created Apr 24, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0
  • 15 is median age of US swine flu hospital cases
    created May 06, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0
  • Swine flu closes more NYC schools, spreads in Asia
    created May 16, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0



  • hide
  • Relevant PhysicsForums posts

Other News

New, virulent strain of MRSA poses renewed antibiotic resistance concerns

Medicine & Health / Diseases

created 39 minutes ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

The often feared and sometimes deadly infections caused by MRSA - methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus - are now moving out of hospitals and emerging as an even more virulent strain in community settings and on ath ...


Scientists take important step toward the proverbial fountain of youth

Medicine & Health / Research

created 20 minutes ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Going back for a second dessert after your holiday meal might not be the best strategy for living a long, cancer-free life say researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. That's because they've shown exactly ...


Poor face greater health burden than smokers or the obese

Medicine & Health / Health

created 10 minutes ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

The average low-income person loses 8.2 years of perfect health, the average high school dropout loses 5.1 years, and the obese lose 4.2 years, according to researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. ...


Enhanced sweet taste: This is your tongue on pot

Medicine & Health / Research

created 18 minutes ago | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

New findings from the Monell Center and Kyushu University in Japan report that endocannabinoids act directly on taste receptors on the tongue to enhance sweet taste.


Chicago Cancer Genome Project studies genetics of 1,000 tumors

Medicine & Health / Genetics

created 30 minutes ago | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

No two tumors are alike, but analyzing the genetics of cancers from different parts of the body may reveal surprising details useful for treatment and prevention.