Sign In
Summary: OxiTab kills Influenza A (including H1N1 and H3N2) on hard, non-porous surfaces when used as directed.
- EPA-registered virucidal claims for Influenza A
- Exact concentration and contact time for disinfection
- How influenza spreads and survives by surface type
- Step-by-step instructions to disinfect with OxiTab
- Prevention strategies, industry tips, and FAQs
What is Influenza A?
Influenza A viruses cause seasonal flu outbreaks and can lead to significant illness, absenteeism, and healthcare burden. Subtypes such as H1N1 and H3N2 circulate in communities and facilities every year. The virus spreads easily through droplets and contaminated surfaces, so routine cleaning and EPA-registered disinfection help reduce transmission risks in schools, healthcare, workplaces, hospitality, gyms, and salons.
Authoritative source: CDC – About Influenza (Flu) Viruses
Can OxiTab Disinfectant Tablets Kill Influenza A?
Yes. OxiTab’s EPA registration includes virucidal claims against Influenza A on hard, non-porous surfaces when mixed and applied according to the label.
EPA-Registered Kill Claims for Influenza A
- Concentration: 1076 ppm
- Minimum Contact Time: 4 minutes
- EPA Registration: 71847-6
- Does OxiTab kill Influenza A? Yes, including H1N1 and H3N2, when used as directed.
EPA label reference: EPA Product Label Portal – OxiTab
How to Sanitize Against Influenza A Using OxiTab
- Prepare the solution: Dissolve 1 OxiTab tablet (13.1 g) in 1 gallon of water to reach the labeled disinfection strength (≈1076 ppm).
- Mix and wait: Allow the tablet to dissolve fully. Stir gently to speed dissolution.
-
Apply the solution:
- Spray bottle: door handles, railings, desktops, treatment chairs, payment terminals
- Mop bucket: floors in classrooms, lobbies, fitness areas, corridors
- Wipes or cloths: phones, keyboards (follow device guidance), remotes, light switches
- Electrostatic sprayer: broad coverage for waiting rooms, dining areas, locker rooms
- Contact time: Keep surfaces visibly wet for at least 4 minutes.
- After treatment: Air dry, or wipe for appearance after contact time is met.
- Solution management: Effective up to 24 hours. Store closed; prepare fresh daily.
How Influenza A Spreads and How Long It Survives
Influenza A spreads primarily through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes and by touching contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, nose, or mouth. Because people can shed virus before symptoms start, consistent environmental disinfection helps break the chain of transmission in shared settings.
Influenza A Survival Times by Surface
1. Hard, non-porous surfaces
- Plastic & stainless steel: Hours to days depending on temperature, humidity, and organic soil.
- Glass & laminate: Typically up to 24–48 hours; frequent disinfection reduces risk.
- Ceramic & sealed stone: Similar multi-hour survival; restrooms and sink areas need scheduled disinfection.
2. Porous and softer surfaces
- Wood (finished): Generally shorter survival than plastics, but enough for fomite transfer.
- Fabric & upholstery: Hours; moisture and soil can extend survival.
- Paper products: Hours under typical indoor conditions.
3. Extended persistence
- Cool, low-UV environments: Viruses may persist longer; winter conditions can favor survival.
- High-traffic touchpoints: Repeated contamination necessitates frequent cleaning and disinfection.
Surface Survival Times Chart
| Surface Type | Influenza A Survival Time |
|---|---|
| Plastic & Stainless Steel | Up to 24–48 hours |
| Glass & Laminate | Up to 24–48 hours |
| Ceramic & Sealed Stone | Hours to a day |
| Wood (Finished) | Hours |
| Fabric & Upholstery | Hours (shorter than non-porous) |
| Paper Products | Hours |
References: CDC – Flu Viruses | CDC – Cleaning and Disinfecting to Prevent Flu
Why Does Influenza A Survive on Surfaces?
As a non-enveloped virus would, you might expect prolonged survival, but influenza A is actually an enveloped virus. Its lipid envelope makes it susceptible to EPA-registered disinfectants when they are used at the labeled strength and contact time. Environmental factors like cooler temperatures, low humidity, and the presence of organic soil can modestly extend survival on surfaces, which is why pre-cleaning and proper contact time are critical.
Reference: CDC – Cleaning and Disinfecting to Prevent Flu
Preventing Surface Transmission
- Clean visible soil first; then disinfect with OxiTab at 1076 ppm for 4 minutes.
- Increase frequency on high-touch points: doorknobs, switches, rails, remotes, shared devices.
- Promote hand hygiene: wash with soap and water; provide alcohol-based hand rubs.
- Encourage respiratory etiquette and stay-home-when-sick policies.
References: CDC – Flu Prevention | CDC – Guidance for Schools & Businesses
Symptoms of Influenza
- Common: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue
- Complications: pneumonia, worsening of chronic conditions, hospitalization
Reference: CDC – Flu Symptoms & Complications
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Older adults, infants, and young children
- People with chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
- Pregnant people
- Healthcare workers and caregivers
- Residents of long-term care facilities
Reference: CDC – People at Higher Risk from Flu
Prevention Best Practices (By Environment)
- Healthcare: routine disinfection of patient rooms and shared equipment, respiratory hygiene stations, staff vaccination
- Education & childcare: daily disinfection of desks, doorknobs, restrooms; encourage sick students to stay home
- Hospitality & travel: disinfect high-touch guest room and transport touchpoints; provide tissues and hand hygiene
- Gyms & fitness: clean and disinfect benches, mats, cardio interfaces; supply wipes for patrons
- Salons & beauty: disinfect chairs, counters, tools; space appointments during peak illness waves
Why OxiTab is the Safer Choice
- Non-hazardous: safer to handle than bleach or Quats (QACs)
- No residue: leaves a clean finish without sticky films or harsh odors
- Simple & affordable: tablet dosing for easy, consistent mixing
FAQs About Influenza A
Q: What disinfectant kills Influenza A?
A: OxiTab kills Influenza A with EPA-registered efficacy at 1076 ppm and 4 minutes contact time.
Q: How long can influenza survive on surfaces?
A: Typically hours to a couple of days on non-porous surfaces; shorter on porous materials. Clean and disinfect high-touch points routinely.
Q: Are hand sanitizers effective against influenza?
A: Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective when used correctly; wash with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled.
Q: Does OxiTab leave a strong chemical odor?
A: No. OxiTab leaves a clean finish without harsh residue or strong lingering odors.
Related Pathogen Guides
References
- CDC – About Flu Viruses
- CDC – Cleaning & Disinfecting to Prevent Flu
- CDC – People at Higher Risk from Flu
- EPA Product Label Portal – OxiTab
Call to Action
Protect your spaces during flu season with OxiTab, an EPA-registered disinfectant that is safer, simpler, and more effective than bleach or Quats.
Comments (0)