As autumn and winter arrive, temperatures drop sharply and the air becomes dry, marking the active period of influenza viruses. Crowded places such as schools, offices, and homes have become high-risk areas for virus transmission. As a key step in breaking the chain of virus spread, scientific disinfection and sterilization can significantly reduce the risk of infection. This article outlines practical steps in three aspects: daily protection, key area cleaning, and disinfection methods, helping you build a strong defense for health.

Daily Protection: Block Virus Contact Through Details
Influenza viruses spread mainly through droplets and contact. Daily protection should focus on reducing exposure and timely cleaning.
First, frequent handwashing is the basic defense. After returning from outdoors or touching public items, wash hands with running water and soap or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds, paying special attention to areas between fingers and under nails where dirt easily remains. If conditions are limited, carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer with an alcohol concentration above 60%, and keep it away from open flames.
Second, wear masks properly. In enclosed or crowded spaces, medical surgical masks or N95 masks effectively filter droplets. Masks should fully cover the nose and mouth. Avoid touching the outer surface; discard or disinfect them immediately after removal. In addition, avoid touching eyes or face to reduce virus entry through mucous membranes.
Finally, clean personal items regularly. Frequently touched objects such as mobile phones, keys, and doorknobs can be wiped with alcohol pads or diluted chlorine-containing disinfectants at least once a day. Textiles such as clothes and towels are recommended to be soaked in hot water above 60°C for 10 minutes, or soaked in chlorine-containing disinfectants before washing to kill hidden viruses.
Key Area Cleaning: Strengthen Disinfection in High-Risk Places
In homes and offices, some areas with heavy human traffic or poor ventilation become virus hotspots and require focused cleaning.
Doorknobs, switches, remote controlsThese are touched by many people daily and carry a high risk of virus residue. Wipe with 75% alcohol 2–3 times a day. If using chlorine-containing disinfectants, follow the concentration (500mg/L) and contact time (at least 5 minutes), then rinse residues with clean water.
BathroomsToilets, sinks, and faucets are easily contaminated by droplets or contact. Wipe surfaces daily with chlorine-containing disinfectant (1000mg/L). Close the toilet lid when flushing to prevent virus spread via aerosols. Cover floor drains with plastic wrap or regularly apply disinfectant to stop virus spread through sewage backflow.
KitchensTableware must be thoroughly disinfected: boil for at least 10 minutes after water boils, or use a disinfection cabinet at 120°C for 15 minutes. Separate cutting boards and knives for raw and cooked food, and disinfect with boiling water or ultraviolet light.
Children’s and elderly activity areasToys, handrails, and bed rails need regular disinfection. Plastic toys can be soaked in chlorine-containing disinfectants; plush toys can be sun-dried or treated with ultraviolet lamps. When cleaning floors, avoid excessive water to prevent slips; use a mop with diluted disinfectant.
Choosing Disinfection Methods: Scientific Matching to Avoid Overuse
Disinfection is not about “higher concentration = better” or “more frequent = safer”. Over-disinfection may damage the environment and even harm health. Choose appropriate methods according to the scene:
Air disinfectionPrioritize window ventilation: at least 2 times a day, 30 minutes each time, to effectively reduce indoor virus concentration. If ventilation is impossible, use circulating air disinfection machines or atomize disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide or chlorine dioxide according to instructions, ensuring no one is present.
Surface disinfectionSmall items (phones, glasses): wipe with alcohol pads.Large furniture (desks, sofas): wipe with chlorine-containing or quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants.Note: Chlorine-containing disinfectants corrode metals and bleach fabrics; rinse with water after use.
Hand disinfectionAlcohol-based hand sanitizers are convenient outdoors but may dry skin, so use moisturizer afterward. Always wash hands with running water after returning home to remove chemical residues.
Avoid mixing disinfectantsMixing 84 disinfectant with toilet cleaner produces toxic chlorine gas. Combining alcohol and chlorine-containing disinfectants may reduce effectiveness. Read instructions carefully and dilute strictly as directed.
Disinfection during the autumn–winter flu season is a preventive measure, not a treatment. Scientific cleaning, targeted protection, and proper disinfection can maximally block virus transmission. Meanwhile, enhancing immunity—through balanced diet, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep—remains the core defense against disease. With both approaches, you can protect yourself and your family throughout the season.