Young children seem to be sick all the time and this is especially true for those in daycare and nursery school settings. One reason is that little ones are simply more susceptible. Parents needn't worry too much, since early exposure to various pathogens is an important part of their physical development.
That being said, frequent symptomatic infections can be a hassle. And there are some pretty virulent germs that parents and teachers would like to prevent from infecting young children, if possible. Not just for the sake of the child, but also to protect a family member who may be immunocompromised.
While direct contact with a symptomatic individual, either through touch or a cough or a sneeze, is the most obvious route of transmission. Indirect exposure can also spread viruses from person to person. The CDC warns that viruses can transmit "by touching objects and surfaces which have virus particles on them then touching your eyes, mouth or nose before washing your hands." In theory, frequent hand washing can prevent you from getting sick. However, in practice children tend to touch their faces too often to rely on hand washing alone to prevent transmission. Protocols for preventing cross-contamination via infected toys and surfaces can also help but may pose challenges to daycare operators.
The Germ Buster System has proven to be highly effective at reducing the spread of germs because treatment not only kills germs on surfaces but protects them from recontamination using a patented, non-toxic anti-microbial solution. A recent study conducted at the Aukland Grammar School showed a 50% decrease in absenteeism when treated with anti-microbial technology like the one Germ Buster System employs.
Germ Buster System technicians are trained to focus attention on the most frequently touched areas like doorknobs, light switches and railings. And in daycare facilities, they make sure to treat all toys, furniture and low-lying fixtures that children are most likely to have contact. All items are allowed to air dry for the appropriate dwell time before being carefully returned to their storage areas.
Contact us for more information about protecting young children in your facility.
