Invisible Invaders: 4 Indoor Germs That Demand Disinfection Services in Singapore

Photo by CBM

Singaporeans love to keep their homes squeaky clean. In fact, back in 2022, over 20,000 of households in Singapore engaged in part-time home cleaning services. But did you know that simply having a clean home isn’t enough? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) actually mentioned that old-school cleaning methods – such as water, soap, and scrubbing – don’t completely eradicate germs indoors. That’s why it’s important for households in Singapore to integrate disinfection services into the process just to be extra safe.

Hot and humid environmental conditions in Singapore are a paradise for these micro-organisms to thrive. So, let's dive deep into the 4 common indoor germs that lurk in our homes and learn why they can be harmful to us.

Influenza Virus

First up is the Influenza virus. This nasty bug is highly contagious and can cause outbreaks of flu in our homes. When someone in the household catches the flu, they’ll probably cough or sneeze spreading the virus through tiny respiratory droplets at high speed. Eventually, these droplets will land on surfaces around the home. The virus can live up to a few hours on these surfaces, and if you’re unlucky enough to touch these contaminated surfaces, chances are you’ll fall sick too. Symptoms include fever, body aches, fatigue, and respiratory issues.

The flu can lead to serious health complications – such as pneumonia – in individuals from certain age groups. Singapore’s HealthHub highlighted that those aged 65 and above, young children under the age of 5, and those with chronic conditions are exposed to a higher risk. When left untreated, the flu can be deadly.

Norovirus

Now let's tackle the Norovirus: the culprit behind the dreaded stomach flu. According to the Singapore Food Agency, the virus can spread through person-to-person contact, contaminated surfaces, and even food. The Norovirus can withstand temperatures of up to 60°C, making it heat-resistant. Touching or consuming anything from these unsanitary sources can cause stomach flu symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, and stomach cramps.

The symptoms typically appear within two days after infection and will last a few more days before it subsides. Though self-medication is possible, the stomach flu can cause dehydration in the elderly, young children, and those with weak immune systems.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

Next on our list is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It causes respiratory tract infections in individuals, especially in young children and older adults. According to the CDC, RSV can be transmitted through respiratory droplets that usually land on hard surfaces such as tables and chairs. Just like the Influenza virus, RSV can survive on these surfaces for several hours. You may show symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and fever if you're infected.

In severe cases, RSV can even lead to bronchitis and pneumonia. The Singapore Medical Journal also pointed out that children with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions are at higher risk of complications and death from RSV-related illnesses.

Mould

Singapore’s hot and humid climate is perfect for mould – a type of fungus that thrives indoors. It lives on moisture, warmth, and organic matter to survive. You can usually find mould on surfaces at home, such as wallpapers, pipes, and even in the bathroom.

Mould release spores that can be inhaled, causing respiratory issues, allergies, or infections. People with respiratory conditions like asthma or weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to mould's harmful effects.

Protect Your Home: Engage CBM Home Singapore’s Disinfection Services

The germs we talked about are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to impurities that can be lurking inside our homes. No matter how hard we clean, there will always be sneaky spots that we might miss. These neglected areas can be potential breeding grounds for illnesses within our own households.

That’s why our CBM Home Singapore’s disinfection services will ensure that your home is safe with our thorough home disinfection regime. Our experienced professional team uses state-of-the-art equipment and high-quality disinfectants to ensure every nook and cranny of your home is cleaned, sanitised, and disinfected. We’re also certified by the National Environment Agency (NEA); meaning that you can rest easy knowing that we will abide by the highest standards of quality and safety in our disinfection procedures.

Photo by CBM

Having a disinfected home is more than just a clean space. It's about safeguarding your loved ones and having the peace of mind that they deserve. So, why wait? Take the first step in protecting your household today by engaging CBM Home’s disinfection services in Singapore. CBM Home also offers basic home cleaning services in Singapore that are perfect for those with busy schedules!