ITS Environmental Services is a leading expert in the disinfection of viruses & bacteria that cause infectious diseases. We provide emergency commercial and residential disinfecting services throughout New York, Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are in need of disinfection services for Coronavirus COVID-19, or any viral or bacterial disease, please contact us for a free inspection and no-obligation estimate. We are here to help you and your employees get back to business safely and help keep you and your family safe too. For more information about Coronavirus COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, please see our resources pages, which include information from the CDC, NYS and our disinfection protocol.
Viruses are small infectious organism—much smaller than a fungus or bacterium—that must invade a living cell to reproduce (replicate). The virus attaches to a cell (called the host cell), enters it, and releases its DNA or RNA inside the cell. The virus’s DNA or RNA is the genetic material containing the information needed to make copies of (replicate) the virus. The virus’s genetic material takes control of the cell and forces it to replicate the virus. The infected cell usually dies because the virus keeps it from performing its normal functions. When it dies, the cell releases new viruses, which go on to infect other cells.
Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms. There are thousands of different kinds, and they live in every conceivable environment all over the world. They live in soil, seawater, and deep within the earth’s crust. Some bacteria have been reported even to live in radioactive waste. Many bacteria live in the bodies of people and animals—on the skin and in the airways, mouth, and digestive, reproductive, and urinary tracts—without causing any harm. Such bacteria are called resident flora, or the microbiome. Many resident flora are actually helpful to people—for example by helping them digest food or by preventing the growth of other, more dangerous bacteria. Only a few kinds of bacteria cause disease. They are called pathogens. Sometimes bacteria that normally reside harmlessly in the body cause disease. Bacteria can cause disease by producing harmful substances (toxins), invading tissues, or doing both.
The symptoms of a viral infection and bacterial infection can be similar. They can each cause similar symptoms such as fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and cramping. Bacteria and viruses are both microbes, however, they are different types of organisms that cause diseases in the body to manifest in different ways. Viruses are not complete cells, they need a living host, such as a person, animal or plant, to survive. Much smaller than bacteria, viruses invade cells inside a host to reproduce. Most viruses will cause illness. Bacteria, on the other hand, are usually single-celled organisms that can survive on their own. Most bacteria are harmless, and some types are beneficial, such as the bacteria in the gut that helps us to digest food. Other strains of bacteria can cause serious illness.
Viral illnesses are contagious and can be transmitted through coughs, sneezes and other bodily fluids. The common cold, flu (influenza), chicken pox, measles, AIDS, hepatitis A & B, rabies, and shingles are examples of viral infections. Viral infections are generally more difficult to treat than bacterial infections because the virus “hides” inside normal, living cells protecting them from treatment with antibiotics.
Bacterial infections occur when harmful bacteria enter the body. Often this happens because the organism takes advantage of a situation, such as a break in the skin or a compromised immune system. This is called an “opportunistic” infection. A bacterial infection usually stays within one area of the body, meaning it is a localized infection. A sinus infection displays localized symptoms of a bacterial infection including congestion, sinus pressure and thick, greenish-yellowish nasal discharge. Some bacterial infections are contagious, but many common bacterial infections are not. These include ear, sinus, bladder, or kidney infections.
Treatment of viral and bacterial infections differ. Viral infections generally must run their course, with treatment aimed at easing symptoms and providing some relief while. At times, antiviral medications are prescribed for specific infections, such as flu (influenza) and shingles. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics either kill bacteria, or interrupt their ability to multiply. It is important to only take antibiotics for bacterial infections and to follow a healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Vaccines may also be used to prevent bacterial infections. Vaccines have been developed for bacterial infections including diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, meningococcal meningitis, pneumococcal pneumonia, and typhoid fever.
For over 10 years, ITS Environmental Services has been providing commercial and residential disinfection and bioremediation services to the New York and Tri-State areas. With certifications in environmental infection control remediation and trauma scene cleanup, our team thoroughly eradicates viruses and bacteria in homes, apartment buildings, offices, medical facilities, restaurants, schools and universities, entertainment arenas, warehouses and more. ATP testing will provide you with quantifiable results, confirming that your space is safe for both your employees and customers. Combined with the application of post disinfection surface protectors, your business can remain safe for up to 90 days. With more than 2,000,000 square feet of disinfection, ITS Environmental Services is the clear choice to keep your business protected.
CEICR Certified
ITS Environmental Services owner is one of only a small number of people that have been awarded the Council-certified Environmental Infection Control Remediator (CEICR) designation by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). This prestigious, board-awarded certification recognizes one’s knowledge and field experience in remediating building related infection control issues. To earn the CEICR designation, a person must pass a rigorous examination based on respected industry texts and then submit documented, verifiable field experience to a board of peers, earning a unanimous vote of approval. The CEICR designation is accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB).
If you are in need of commercial or residential disinfection services for Coronavirus COVID-19, or any viral or bacterial disease, please contact us for a FREE inspection and no-obligation estimate. We are here to help you and your employees get back to business safely and help keep you and your family safe too. For more information about Coronavirus COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, please see our resources pages, which include information from the CDC, NYS and our disinfection protocol. We will continue to provide the most up to date information as quickly as possible.
At ITS Environmental Services, the safety of our customers is our number one priority. Information is vital when it comes to protecting your family, loved ones and your employees. In addition to our resource pages concerning Coronavirus COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, we have also included information and resources regarding various natural and environmental disasters. Please visit each of our resource pages located in the top menu bar for more information and continuous updates.
Emergency Response
Our certified and highly experienced emergency response team is trained in the procedures necessary to ensure a safe, professional, and compliant disinfection operation. Call us today for emergency disinfection response.