Protecting your facility against the flu requires implementation of the right cleaning and disinfection procedures as well as clear and effective training programs. Healthy employees are conducive to a healthier and more productive work environment. While employees frequent your facility, make sure to communicate with employees about the importance of flu vaccines and daily steps to help reduce chances of contracting the virus. Naturally, extra precautions should be implemented for children under six months as well as the elderly population.
This year, the flu season has been relatively calm. This could be a result of the unseasonably mild weather. Doctors caution against the upcoming second wave that typically hits in March. Though the threat of the influenza virus may not seem as eminent now, it is nevertheless crucial that building contractors and employers use this quite time of year to implement the suggested steps. Further, the viruses’ constant mutation makes it an ongoing threat and one that should be properly mitigated every year regardless of the effect of the virus in previous years.
Most bacteria lives on surfaces for 48 hours, making viruses and bacteria easily transmittable. For this reason, remaining germ free should be a daily concern regardless of the season.
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer.
- Cough and sneeze into your arm.
- Keep your hands away from your face. The flu virus can enter the body through the eyes, nose or mouth.
- Keep common surface areas clean & disinfected. All types of bacteria and viruses can live on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours.
- Get your flu shot.
- If you get sick, stay home.
- Drink more water and STAY HEALTHY!
Education and training
High communication of cleaning processes is the most influential factor for infection control. From proper hand washing to ensuring proper cleaning procedures, maintaining a healthy and clean indoor environment will be feasible and empower those who use your facility to make appropriate choices to preserve their health as well as that of those around them. Using hand sanitizers when soap is unavailable, for example, is a great way to help prevent the spread of germs. Fostering an awareness of flu symptoms can also help prevent virus from spreading.
Disinfection
Disinfection helps kill infectious bacteria and viruses at the source. Following a cleaning program that encourages disinfection of critical touch points is a highly effective way of controlling the transfer of germs in highly trafficked areas and on frequently used surfaces, appliances, and devices.
Green cleaning
Using a program that offers UL EcoLogo certified products is an excellent way of contributing to the quality of the environment within your facility while also preventing the spread of germs. Contributing to creating an improved indoor air quality will make it a healthier environment with less pollutants and therefore, less stress on your immune systems that is already working on fighting off the flu.
Following the right procedures, implementing training and education programs, and following proper disinfection protocols, will help protect you during flu season.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-flu-season-slow-1.3390998
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2015-2016.htm
http://globalnews.ca/news/1768728/nasty-h3n2-flu-season-worsens-as-cases-rise-across-canada/
