Covid-19 issues and decisions drone on, don’t they?  Happily, my longstanding association with top people in the cleaning industry puts me in contact with trusted sources of information on health topics.

One such source Is the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a division of the ISSA.  ISSA is a trade organization that has lead the way in the cleaning industry to mature to the point that we focus on “Cleaning for Health.”  While Booster Shots have little to do with cleaning, experts such as Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, Senior Director of GBAC is a credible source of clarity on how to protect ourselves from Biorisk such as Covid-19.

Dr. Skinner, in a “Straight Talk” interview with ISSA official Jeff Cross helped us to see that the level of protection from vaccines diminishes over a period of about 6 months, leaving many of us vulnerable.  The good news is that we are not seeing supply chain issues with the booster vaccination supply.  

So why Booster Shots?  Back in the spring when many of us got our vaccine shots we didn’t know how long it was going to last.  Dr. Skinner says New studies by the NIH show the vaccines decrease in effectiveness over time just like flu vaccine.  We get flu vaccines annually because it doesn’t last for years, but only months during the flu season.  By the time the next flu season occurs, those who wish vaccine protection need to renew their protection.  Covid-19 vaccines are proving to be similar.  The vaccines give us protection by stimulating our immune system to fight Covid-19.  Dr. Skinner really emphasized the point that Covid-19 is “an awful disease.  You really do not want to get Covid-19.”  

Some feel they can be tested for antibodies and think they don’t need to get the booster.  Jeff Cross asked:. “Is it that easy to get tested for antibodies?”  Dr. Skinner said it is not.  That “we don’t routinely do this because you have to take a blood sample.  Going through the labs and testing and sampling challenges minimizes this from happening very much.  If you are a worker at a high risk indoor environment you can ask to be tested. Do I get tested for Covid-19 antibodies?  No, there is no reason to.  I follow the studies and publications on the studies published from CDC, NIH and WHO.  Those show the vaccines last not for years, but months and that’s why the boosters are so important now,” according to Dr. Skinner.

This time of year many are traveling for the Holidays and its been a period of time.  With that in mind Dr. Skinner recommends following the CDC guidelines and get a booster shot before you travel.

This interview gave me the clarity I needed and hopefully it helps you too!

For your protection we continue to follow vaccine and booster recommendations as well as daily symptom and temperature checks before coming to your home.

Prepare for winter by following this list!

Use this checklist to prepare your home for winter

1. Check your home’s heating and air conditioning system
2. Clean your gutters
3. Check smoke detectors
4. Drain outside faucets
5. Check your trees
6. Prepare for snow removal

HVAC

Change filters. Consider having your air ducts cleaned if it has been 2-5 years since they have been done.  Being shut up in the house for months with stale contaminants blowing through your air is not a pleasant thought! 

Gutters

Once the leaves are off the trees clean them.  When backed up with leaves they can overflow and water can run down the siding and even come in windows!  (don’t ask how I know!)  

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Winter is when most house fires happen. Check for operation and replace any batteries.

Outside Water Faucets

The faucet is unprotected from the elements. I’ve seen them split the water line well inside the home, flooding the basement and ruining any below grade finished areas.  Take the time to remove garden hoses and drain the line.  You don’t have to get every drop out but you don’t want the line full so it will expand and break things.  If you don’t, you may not find out until spring when you turn on your garden hose.  Your so-called “Freeze Free” faucet will give you great grief if not drained.  I have witnessed it personally!  If you are installing one, have it slant downward toward the faucet so it can drain properly.

Check Your Trees

As the leaves fall off, make sure they are healthy, especially if they could fall on your home or a neighbor’s home.

Prepare for Snow Removal

Dig out the snowblower and fire it up before the “big one” hits!  If it won’t start, try to repair it now!  Small engine repair places usually take repairs “in the order they are received.” It’s no fun trying to start a cranky small engine with snow blowing and temps dropping!

Hope that helps you ease into winter.  It will go better if you prepare!