You’ve probably seen the constant mention of Monkeypox in the news along with Covid. Well, there is now a rise in Poliovirus too. With a seemingly never ending stream of new viruses emerging, focus on cleanliness and public health is high. However most of us aren’t aware that there are two types of virus - enveloped and non-enveloped - so you’ll need to bear this in mind when you are buying products to keep your workplace clean and sanitised.
What’s the difference between enveloped and non-enveloped viruses?
Basically it comes down to a virus’ structure and composition. The Virology Research Services site explains:
In general, what distinguishes them is the presence (for enveloped viruses) or absence (for non-enveloped viruses) of a lipid bilayer membrane on the outer part of the virus… Viruses are composed of two main components: the viral genome (which can be RNA or DNA) and the virus-coded protein capsid that surrounds the genome. If the virus particle contains only these two elements, it is called a non-enveloped virus. If the virus particle contains an extra lipid bilayer membrane surrounding the protein capsid, it’s called an enveloped virus.
So when products are made to tackle viruses, they need to be tested against both variants to ensure they work effectively and as stated.
Why is this important?
After the pandemic, public interest and media coverage of viruses has increased. Monkeypox (an enveloped virus) is the latest to hit national headlines and Poliovirus, the virus that causes Polio (a non-enveloped virus) has also re-emerged in the UK.. Health organisations are encouraging extra protection around personal health and public sanitization. This can be seen with recent campaigns around vaccines, face coverings and social distancing, with this still going on for groups of people who are thought to be more at risk in terms of infection or with health vulnerabilities.
What is the challenge for businesses?
With pressure to maintain clean environments for staff, as well as the wider pressures of running a business during uncertain economic times, people want to know how to protect employees and customers in the most time efficient and cost effective way. The necessity to use a wide ranging portfolio of Infection Prevention products is still valid, despite the other struggles. There has never been a greater time for the cleaning industry to demonstrate continued vigilance and high levels of biosecurity and hygiene within their cleaning regimes.
How can Fenns help?
Fenns has a robust Infection Prevention range of products engineered to protect the working environment. The virus that causes Monkeypox has been added to the ULTRA AX efficacy claims – this is effective in 60 seconds.
For those customers using concentrates and chemical dosing, ULTRA XTREME as well as being efficacious for enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, is also certified to inactivate the Poliovirus.
We stock disinfectants that will tackle both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including COVID and variants, Monkeypox and Poliovirus.
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like our help with your janitorial processes.
