lingering germs?

Hello

I had a question about lingering germs...I have an FIV+ kitty, and had recently been fostering another FIV+ kitty- who had been isolated in my 2nd bedroom when I realized that she had come down with a cold (probably brought it with her from the shelter). She is now at the vets again so that they can keep an eye on her- and will then be going to a new home....

My question is- can her cold germs linger in the 2nd bedroom even though she's not there now? I wanted to open up the room again and let it "breathe" a bit- clean up in there, etc...but I was nervous about how to properly clean up in there and if I should keep my cat out of there for a few days still....Perhaps I'm being paranoid (yes- I'm an overprotective mom!) But it's also since my kitty has FIV- I'm being extra careful.

Would opening a window in there help? It's carpeted so I plan to vaccum- obviously completely clean out and disinfect the litterbox, and any other surfaces I can clean. Any other suggestions on cleaning tips, or how safe it is for my cat to be in that room- and how long before I should let him back in?

Thanks in advance for any tips!

i'm not sure what the life span of cold viruses are outside the host cat, i'd check with your vet. It might be hours, or days. 10% bleach in water will help disinfect, but make sure to rinse well. There is also a veterinary disinfectant that is less toxic than bleach, i forgot what its called but its yellow in color.