Chillier weather isn’t the only dreaded winter guest. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced the flu has reached epidemic levels in the United States due to a severe strain and a less effective flu vaccine. Pneumonia is common in these most recent cases.
To help organizations keep employees healthy amidst cold and flu season, The Clean Team and Property and Facilities, are providing these four illness-fighting tips:
Clean and disinfect surfaces to remove germs.
Infection prevention is key for maintaining health and safety among the workforce. Infections can spread when people touch surfaces contaminated with illness-causing pathogens. Organizations should focus on frequent cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces so that germs are removed. These surfaces include doorknobs, phones, desks, light switches, and elevator buttons. Disinfecting wipes are provided in the Clinics as well as other key areas. The Clean Team Sanitizes high touch surfaces Daily.
Follow hand hygiene rules to prevent the spread of illness.
Proper hand hygiene reduces or eliminates the transmission of pathogens from someone’s hands to their mouth and from one person to another. Employees should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, or with hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t accessible. Both High Quality foam soap and alcohol free hand sanitizers are amply supplied campus wide.
Provide relief through well-stocked first-aid kits and cabinets.
Businesses should keep first-aid kits and cabinets well-maintained so that they have a range of solutions on hand to help alleviate unpleasant aches and pains. These include individually-sealed, non-drowsy headache and pain relief. Zee does an excellent job of keeping first aid kits well stocked.
Prepare employees for increased outbreaks.
It’s key to get the individual employees on board with infection prevention strategies and teach them how to reduce the spread of illnesses. Key personnel should remind workers where first-aid cabinets are placed and highlight the types of solutions they can find inside. Organizations can also demonstrate proper etiquette for sick workers, such as coughing and sneezing into their arms, and taking medication at the first sign of illness. If very ill, stay home to avoid spreading your sickness to others, the Tribe provides ample sick leave for this reason- please use it.
Wash your Hands, Wash your hands, Wash your hands.