FAQs About Coronavirus (COVID-19) by ServiceMaster by Wright

As more information about the coronavirus pandemic develops, some of the information on this page may have changed since it was last updated. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit the online resources provided by the CDC, and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. 

You can work to better protect yourself from COVID-19 by: 

 

· washing your hands, 

· avoiding contact with sick individuals, and

· sanitizing your home.

ServiceMaster by Wright helps to address the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. These frequently asked questions are for the general public. Other audiences may want to refer to more detailed information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) page by CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

 

 

About COVID-19

 

Q: What are coronaviruses?

 

A: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some coronaviruses cause illness in humans and others cause illness in animals, such as bats, camels, and civets. Human coronaviruses generally cause mild illnesses, such as the common cold.

 

Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve to infect and spread among humans, causing severe diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which emerged in 2002, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) which emerged in 2012.

 

 

Q: What is the COVID-19 virus?

A: COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. It was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, where it has caused a large and ongoing outbreak. It has since spread more widely in China. Cases have since been identified in several other countries. The COVID-19 virus is closely related to a bat coronavirus.

 

There is much more to learn about how COVID-19 is spread, its severity, and other features associated with the virus; epidemiological and clinical investigations are ongoing.

 

Outbreaks of new coronavirus infections among people are always a public health concern. The situation is evolving rapidly.

 

 

Q: How is the virus spread?

 

A: Human coronaviruses are spread from someone infected with COVID-19 virus to other close contacts with that person through contaminated droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with contaminated hands, surfaces or objects.

The time between when a person is exposed to the virus and when symptoms first appear is typically 5 to 6 days, although it may range from 2 to 14 days. For this reason, people who might have been in contact with a confirmed case are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

 

Most COVID-19 cases appear to be spread from people who have symptoms. A small number of people may have been infectious before their symptoms developed.

 

 

Q: How long does COVID-19 last on surfaces?

 

A: According to the World Health Organization, it is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

 

If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with a common household disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

 

 

Q: What are the symptoms?

 

A: Patients may have fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and other symptoms. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress.

 

 

Q: What is the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?

A: The first symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza (flu) infections are often very similar. They both cause fever and similar respiratory symptoms, which can then range from mild through to severe disease, and sometimes can be fatal.

 

Both viruses are also transmitted in the same way, by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with hands, surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus. As a result, the same public health measures, such as hand hygiene (handwashing), good respiratory etiquette (coughing into your elbow or into a tissue and immediately disposing of the tissue) and good household cleaning are important actions to prevent both infections.

 

The speed of transmission is an important difference between the two viruses. Influenza typically has a shorter incubation period (the time from infection to appearance of symptoms) than COVID-19. This means that influenza can spread faster than COVID-19.

 

While the range of symptoms for the two viruses is similar, the fraction with severe disease appears to be higher for COVID-19. While most people have mild symptoms, approximately 15% of people have severe infections and 5% require intensive care in a hospital ICU. The proportions of severe and critical COVID-19 infections are higher than for influenza infections.

 

 

Q: I have traveled to another country. What should I do?

 

A: If you have been overseas in the last 14 days, you should:

· isolate yourself from others for 14 days from the day you returned or arrived from overseas, and

· monitor yourself for symptoms.

If you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms within the 14-day period, please:

· call your doctor. When you call, tell them where you have traveled or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case, or if your symptoms are severe.

· visit your local Emergency Department. When you arrive, immediately tell the staff where you have traveled or if you have been in contact with a confirmed case. If you need to seek medical care, wear a surgical mask if available when attending. If you have symptoms, it is important that you do not use public transport, taxis, or ride-sharing services.

 

 

Q: How long does the COVID-19 infection last?

 

A: The infection period for the virus will vary from person to person. Mild symptoms in an otherwise healthy individual may resolve over just a few days. Similar to influenza, for an individual with other ongoing health issues, such as a respiratory condition, recovery may take weeks and in severe cases could be potentially fatal.

 

 

Q: How is COVID-19 diagnosed?

 

A: Infection with COVID-19 is diagnosed by finding evidence of the virus in respiratory samples such as swabs from the back of the nose and throat or fluid from the lungs.

 

 

Q: What does a negative COVID-19 test result mean?

 

A: The nose/throat swab for COVID-19 looks for the virus present in your nose and throat.

 

If you are in home isolation because you have returned from overseas or have had close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, a negative test result does not mean you can end your home isolation. You need to remain in home isolation for a total of 14 days after you returned from abroad or had close contact with a COVID-19 case.

 

 

Q: How is it prevented?

 

A: Some simple measures significantly reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and of spreading it:

 

· Clean your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer.

· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing or use your elbow, not your hands.

· Avoid close contact with people unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms, and stay home if you have these symptoms.

· Avoid touching your face and avoid shaking hands with others.

· Try to maintain a distance of 1.5 meters from others as much as possible, and avoid crowded places.

 

 

Q: Is there a cure or a vaccine?

 

A: There are no vaccines that protect against COVID-19. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Early diagnosis and general supportive care are important. Most of the time, symptoms will resolve on their own. People who have the serious disease with complications can be cared for in hospital.

 

 

Q: What is the public health response to COVID-19?

 

A: Infection with COVID-19 is a notifiable condition, Public health unit staff will investigate all cases to find out how the infection occurred, identify other people at risk of infection, implement control measures, and provide other advice.

 

 

Protecting against COVID-19

 

Q: How can I protect myself / my family?

 

A: The best way to protect yourself is to do the same as you would against any respiratory infection. Practice good hygiene by:

· making sure to clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.

· cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or a flexed elbow.

· avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms. Make sure you stay home if you are sick.

Q: What can I wash my hands with if I don’t have a handwash?

 

A: The key to handwashing is to wash often and wash well for at least 20 seconds. All you need is water and detergent (surfactant) such as:

 

· a bar of soap

· body wash

· shampoo

 

It doesn't have to be an expensive brand, and it doesn't have to be marked "antibacterial".

 

If you're using a hand sanitizer, it should contain 70% alcohol or more. Keep your nails short and clean, wash your tea towels often, and consider avoiding wearing rings.

 

 

Q: Do face masks protect against COVID-19? Which face masks?

 

A: Face masks are not recommended for the general population. People who have symptoms and might be infected with COVID-19 are required to stay in isolation at home and should wear a surgical face mask when in the same room as another person and when seeking medical advice to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 to anyone else.

 

Health care workers who are caring for patients with suspected COVID-19 should use appropriate personal protective equipment to protect themselves against COVID-19.

 

 

Q: Do hand dryers prevent COVID-19?

A: Hand dryers are not effective in killing or preventing COVID-19 on their own, and they may increase the risk of spread of COVID-19 if used on hands that have not been cleaned properly.

 

To protect yourself against COVID-19, you should clean your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer. If you have washed your hands, dry them thoroughly by using paper towels. If there are no paper towels available, use a hot air dryer or let your hands air dry. Your hands must be dried completely.

 

If you are using hand towels to dry your hands, such as in the bathroom at home, it’s important to wash them regularly. If someone in your home is unwell, they should use their own hand towel.

 

 

Q: Is it safe to use public drinking fountains or water bubblers?

 

A: Public drinking water supplies are safe to drink; however, the surfaces around the fountain including the spout and button/lever could pose a transmission risk for COVID-19 and other germs. At this stage, it is not certain how long viruses that cause COVID-19 survive on surfaces.

 

 

Q: How are hospital equipment and furniture being cleaned to protect against COVID-19?

 

A: Hospitals ensure surfaces are cleaned and disinfected after each suspected case, as are ambulances. There is infection prevention and control practice protocols that outline the appropriate steps for cleaning a room to ensure there are no viruses remaining. Staff also wear protective gear when cleaning to protect themselves and limit any spread of infection.

 

 

Q: How do we know the people who have had COVID-19 are no longer infectious?

 

A: People with confirmed COVID-19 infection stay in isolation under the care of medical specialists until they are no longer experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 infection. Before they are released from isolation, they have tests to see if they still have COVID-19 and the specialist care team assesses they are no longer infectious. Once they are discharged, they have a follow-up assessment by the medical team to make sure they remain well.

 

 

Home isolation

 

Q: Do I need to be separate from other people in my home if I am isolating?

 

A: Yes. If you are sharing your home with others, you should stay in a different room from other people or be separated as much as possible. Wear a surgical mask when you are in the same room another person, and when seeking medical care. Use a separate bathroom, if available.

 

Make sure that you do not share a room with people who are at risk of severe diseases, such as elderly people and those who have heart, lung or kidney conditions, and diabetes.

 

Visitors who do not have an essential need to be in the home should not visit while you are isolating.

 Q: Who should practice social distancing?

 

A: Everyone should practice social distancing, as it reduces the potential for transmission.

 

Pets and animals

 

Q: Can pets be infected with COVID-19?

 

A: While COVID-19 seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now mainly spreading from person-to-person. There is no reason to think that any animals including pets might be a source of infection with this new virus.

 

There is also no evidence that companion animals including pets can spread COVID-19. However, since animals can spread other diseases to people, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands after being around animals.

 

 

Q: Who to call if you need cleaning and decontamination services? 

 

A: If you believe your facility in Southwest Florida may have been exposed to the Coronavirus, call ServiceMaster by Wright immediately. There is evidence for other coronaviruses of the potential for widespread contamination of patient rooms or environments, so effective cleaning and decontamination are vital, and only the certified professionals can do that.

 

In addition to the direct cleaning and disinfection protocols, we utilize engineering controls and follow the CDC guidance on the proper use of air chambers and air scrubbing during the process. 

ServiceMaster by Wright ensures that product specifications are followed, thereby providing the most effective decontamination possible. Call us today at 239-431-9947. ServiceMaster by Wright services Bonita Springs, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Englewood, Fort Myers, Longboat Key, Naples, Marco Island, Sarasota, Siesta Key, and Venice. If you are in Collier, Lee, Manatee or Sarasota Counties, we have you covered!

How Do You Deal With Indoor Air Pollution?

Health is wealth, right? Many of us are suffering from mild to severe respiratory disorders, such as asthma attacks. This disorder is usually triggered by pollen and other pollutants such as smoke from vehicles.

If you have asthma, you tend to avoid irritants from the outside environment, and are probably thinking that pollutants may only be sourced from the outside environment of your residential home.

Irritants that may trigger asthma come from both the indoors and outdoors. One of the most common pollutants indoors is the spore generated by mold. Molds are the by-products of moist wood pieces of furniture and fixtures found within your home.

Aside from that, your old carpet also harbors germs, together with specks of dirt and other elements, such as pet hair.

These irritants are identified as culprits which aggravate respiratory illnesses at home and affects thousands and, therefore, must be cleaned up immediately to protect you and your beloved family.

Americans, especially those who are financially hard-up in life, resort to do-it-yourself strategies to clean up their respective houses, fixtures, and items of furniture using soap, disinfectants, and water. Worse, they adversely affect their health conditions because cleaning chemicals may likewise trigger asthma attacks. Worst of all, self-cleaning could not in anyway thoroughly clean up the carpets and remove the mold. As a matter of fact, when carpets are not air-dried thoroughly they will produce more mold, which will generate more spores to the detriment of your family’s health conditions.

In this relation, the services of professional cleaners are strongly recommended. If you are living in, or are within or near Bradenton, Florida, it is advisable to get the services of ServiceMaster by Wright.

With our more than 40 years of experience, we gained our high degree reputation due to our utmost services that include but are not limited to 24/7 emergency restoration services and a 45-minute response time. In fact, we are an IICRC holder, and that guarantees high-quality services to complete customer service satisfaction.

We pioneered the industry on restoration and we are the trusted source for fire and smoke restoration, and water restoration solutions for residential home and business facilities' owners. We encompass a wide array of high-quality services to include mold remediation, header cleanup, carpet cleaning, mold remediation, and inspection.

In short, we also offer emergency mold damage and carpet cleanup.

Good news: to date, we are offering another premium service that is the COVID-19 decontamination and sanitizing services for residential homes and all business establishments, including the public and private facilities. ServiceMaster by Wright has always been available for many delicate human situations, crises, and disasters, including this Coronavirus outbreak. We want you to know that, while we hope it will not be necessary, ServiceMaster by Wright is qualified and equipped with the required protocols and processes should any pathogen outbreak occur within your facility or property.  If you need decontamination cleaning experts that have training and expertise, ServiceMaster by Wright certainly has always been there for those experiencing a trauma disaster. We are a company with decontamination experience and training.

For your needs about carpet cleaning Bradenton, mold damage Bradenton, Bradenton mold removal and Commercial Mold Remediation Bradenton Florida, you may visit our official website to learn more at https://www.servicemasterrestorations.com/.

You may contact ServiceMaster by Wright at 239-431-9947 for more details.

We are serving businesses and homeowners all throughout Bradenton, Florida, and its surrounding areas and counties.

Can Mold Make You Sick?

To most homeowners, mold is an unspoken word, for simply hearing the word brings anxiety and stress. Whenever the season changes, where record-high temperatures and humidity are changing, some unknown illnesses would come unexpectedly and unknowingly. For some unknown reasons, probably it is due to mold growth present. 

Mold is a common type of fungus that thrives in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. In contrast, fungi that can adopt a single-celled growth habit are called yeasts, which under the right conditions grow, both in indoor and outdoor environments. Mold and other fungi have existed on this planet since time immemorial. 

Scientifically, molds are a large, taxonomically diverse number of fungal species and are considered to be microbes. They are widespread, and can be found in every household, business offices, open fields, and even on our food…almost everywhere. However, if mold is present in large quantities, it can cause health problems for humans. 

Mold may affect the health of some people, but those with sensitivity to mold are highly susceptible and vulnerable, and can catch allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Mold can create allergens that can worsen respiratory issues, and pathogenic microscopic organisms and infections are capable of giving you everything, from the common cold to food-borne illnesses. 

The people who can be affected are the people with allergies who are more sensitive to mold. Individuals with chronic respiratory diseases, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and asthma, may experience difficulty in breathing. Mold is bad for our health, so we need to remove mold before our life is threatened. 

Mold can be found in every household, where there are damp and soggy places. A later surge of water damage can empower its presence, specifically on foundations, roofs, HVAC systems, water pipes, toilet line breaks, dry walls, gutters, air conditioner leaks and other parts of the house. Professional experts on mold removal in Port Charlotte Florida suggest some ways to help prevent mold in your house or property in order to avoid health issues then and hereafter.

First, eliminate any water spill or leak where mold can grow. Keep every surface in your house dry. Secondly, guarantee that raw food products, such as meat, are kept partitioned from other nourishments within the fridge to maintain a strategic distance from intestinal issues caused by food-borne illnesses. Thirdly, call in the professionals at the first signs of mold growth and do not delay mold inspection and remediation.

Performing mold removal on your own while utilizing unforgiving synthetic substances can trigger asthma or different sensitivities. If you are searching for a financially savvy set of cleaning apparatuses, why not consult the experts on mold remediation in Port Charlotte to help and assist you with their expertise on mold removal and remediation services? ServiceMaster by Wright is a mold removal company in Port Charlotte that is composed of trained and equipped professionals who can deal with all sorts and sizes of mold growth in the most systematic manner possible. 

To know more about mold, please feel free to contact ServiceMaster by Wright, your Commercial Mold Remediation company in Port Charlotte, at (866) 676-7761; we have an Emergency and Disaster Service Division who is on-the-go 24/7 and responds quickly to any Commercial or Residential Disaster caused by fire or water. From molds, water removal, dehumidification, and structural drying to smoke and soot removal and clean up, our team responds within 45 minutes to your call.

While we hope it’d never be needed, ServiceMaster by Wright can help with its Coronavirus COVID-19 Decontamination and Sanitizing service for all retail businesses, hotels, church, municipality, nursing home and government facilities including libraries, office buildings, public spaces, and others when the need arises.

Check us out at https://www.servicemasterrestorations.com/ for more details. We are serving businesses and homeowners all throughout Port Charlotte, Florida, and its surrounding areas and counties. 

Healthy Habits to Adapt for Preventing Flu

Flu is a common seasonal disease. Almost everybody has had a bout of this disease at least once in his/her lifetime. What, then, are the best practices to prevent this disease from affecting you, your family and colleagues? Cleanliness, good health habits, avoiding sick people, and presence of mind are the top four proven and tested ways to avoid flu or any contagious disease.

Cleanliness

Although you can have a yearly vaccination to prevent flu, staying clean physically and environmentally is still the most important step. Seeing to it that your home or office is free from microorganisms, dust and dirt is really necessary. Having a regular carpet cleaning in Punta Gorda Florida will eliminate sources of respiratory irritants, such as dust or your pet’s hair. In addition, regular hand washing will surely protect you from germs. Moreover, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, railings, keyboards and phones will also help. The furniture you use at home must also be free from anything that could hurt you health-wise, so it may be wise to get help with upholstery cleaning in Punta Gorda Florida.

Good health habits

Make sure you have enough sleep daily. Also, be physically active by having a fitness regimen. You also have to minimize stress and drink a lot of fresh juices and water, as well as have a balanced diet. 

Avoiding sick people

When you see someone with the flu, whether in the office or somewhere outside your home, keep a safe distance from them. In addition, avoid using or touching the things a person with flu has used or touched. When you are in public places, where you cannot help but be in close proximity with people, you can wear protective masks. It is very important to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because these are the parts of your body that have mucus which is a fertile ground for the virus to thrive.

 

Presence of mind

During the flu season or the presence of the Coronavirus contagious respiratory illness that became a pandemic, your best defense is to stay calm and don’t panic. Maintaining presence of mind will make you evaluate the situation objectively and make the right decisions. You can stay at home and be in control, and plan your course of action such as keeping your house in order. Because your mind is the powerhouse of your life, you cannot get wrong if you are objective and keen.

Prevention is always better than cure, and this flu season, it would be for your best benefit to stay informed and practice caution and cleanliness in everything you do, everywhere you go. If you think that your home needs its long-overdue deep cleaning, it would help to contact professionals for help. If you have any need of professional residential or commercial cleaning services, leave it to the experts. Call ServiceMaster by Wright at 866-676-7761 for Southwest Florida residents or visit their website at https://www.servicemasterrestorations.com/cleaning. You have nothing to worry about distance because they serve Bradenton, Bonita Springs, Englewood, Cape Coral, Marco Island/Naples, Estero, Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Venice, Longboat Key, and Port Charlotte.

Educate Yourself about COVID-19

No day passes when COVID-19 is not mentioned. So much information is circulated all over the globe about this illness. One should be wary of the news that is spread in every media platform possible. 

A little background about this dreaded respiratory disease has been spreading around the globe. This new coronavirus was first detected in China and recently has been detected in almost 70 locations worldwide, including the US, and is now called COVID-19, an abbreviation of coronavirus disease 2019. COVID-19, same as its family of viruses MERS-CoV and Sars-CoV, originated from bats. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales." The spread of this disease must be controlled to prevent more people from getting infected.

One must be calm to be able to function properly in times of crisis like this. One must also get the facts straight in order to know how to go about fighting this disease.

Here are some facts to guide you in combating this dreaded illness.

·         Some Asians and Asian-looking citizens may have experienced being discriminated after news about COVID-19 broke loose. The fact must be straightened out that no ethnicity is more prone to this viral disease. Anyone with low immunity is susceptible to COVID-19, regardless of race.

·         COVID-19 can spread quite quickly, so extra precautions must be done. There are simple things that can be done to keep yourself and the people around you healthy. The simple washing of hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as often as needed can help keep the virus from spreading. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands. When sick, stay at home to strengthen the immune system in order to avoid catching COVID-19 or other communicable diseases. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing and dispose of your tissue properly. Proper sanitation and cleaning of the environment lower the risk of being infected by the COVID-19, so practice cleanliness.

·         According to WHO, "The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell." According to a recent research featured in Annals of Internal Medicine, "Assuming infection occurs at the initiation of monitoring, our estimates suggest that 101 out of every 10 000 cases will develop symptoms after 14 days of active monitoring or quarantine." If you experience the above symptoms, check with your doctor for a possible risk of infection, especially when you have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have traveled to areas where there is an ongoing spread of the virus.

COVID-19 prevention is better than any cure, because an outbreak involving this kind of disease is hard to contain, so it is vital to keep yourself informed and updated, and always exercise caution and proper hand hygiene. If, despite taking all precautions, a worst-case scenario happens and the illness is caught by a family member, there may arise a need for biohazard cleanup to prevent the virus from spreading further. Should this need arise, we at ServiceMaster by Wright will take care of Coronavirus decontamination in Port Charlotte Florida and its neighboring counties.

We at ServiceMaster by Wright and all franchises nationwide have always been available for many bio-hazard delicate human situations, crises, and disasters. Many people do not know where to turn when they need services of this type, which require training and expertise. We certainly have always been there for those experiencing a trauma disaster. We were the first responders at 911, called to assist. We are preparing to be available to our community with our Bio-Hazard team if there is a need that is presented. We are a company with Bio-Hazard Experience and Training. A company to call to not capitalize on a situation but a company to offer a solution if the situation allows.

Our trained and experienced people are our best assets if you need the services of a Coronavirus decontamination company in Port Charlotte Florida. Call us at 866-676-7761. We serve Bradenton, Bonita Springs, Englewood, Cape Coral, Marco Island/Naples, Estero, Sarasota, Punta Gorda, Venice, Longboat Key, and Port Charlotte.