Cold & Flu Prevention Tips for Offices and Schools

Prevention is Contagious – Spread It Around

Did you know nearly 111 million workdays are lost each year due to the flu? Employee sick days and lost productivity due to illness cost employers about $7 billion annually. Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. It easily spreads from person to person.

A simple cough or sneeze can spread the flu. It can also spread when a person touches something with the flu virus on it, like a door handle or a desk, and then touches his or her mouth or nose. Studies have shown that influenza viruses can survive on surfaces up to 8 hours.

A person can be infected with the flu and not realize it for
 a few days. In fact, someone can be contagious even before symptoms are evident. Fortunately, companies and schools can take proactive steps to reduce the spread of viruses that cause colds and influenza.

Here are a few simple tips to keep your school or office healthy this winter.

1. Wash and sanitize hands: a wallop of prevention

Hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes top the list of items employees wish employers made available in the office. Hand sanitizers come in several different applications including wipes, pump dispensers and touch free systems. Consider making hand sanitizer available at all high traffic areas like conference rooms, auditoriums, check-in desks and reception areas. Sanitizers located outside restrooms can act as a helpful reminder to keep hands clean and prevent recontamination after touching door handles on exiting.

2. Cool down germ hot spots

Illness-causing germs can live on frequently touched surfaces, including telephones keyboards and mouses. In fact, studies have shown that influenza viruses can survive on surfaces like stainless steel and plastic for up to 48 hours. Ensure regular cleaning and disinfecting of nonporous areas by using EPA-registered disinfectants with an influenza claim. Clorox ®Clean Up Disinfectant Cleaner with Bleach is available as either a spray or wipe, and helps keep sterile environments like nursing homes and healthcare facilities clean and germ free. Used as directed it kills the norovirus in one minute and meets OSHA's bloodborne pathogens standards, making it ideal for patient checkout areas and school offices.

3. Get your Flu shot—stick it to germs

Encourage vaccinations. Vaccination is the single best way to prevent flu. It’s quick, easy and affordable these days.

4. Nothing says "bless you" like a tissue or elbow

The flu can be spread when a person touches something with the virus on it, like a door handle or desk, and then touches his or her mouth or nose. A good way to prevent contamination is to avoid coughing or sneezing into bare hands. Teach employees and students to cover their mouth with a tissue or sleeve to keep germs from becoming airborne. For germs that don't die a quick death, Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes offer a quick and easy way to clean and disinfect a variety of surfaces, including wood.

5. Thank you for not sharing

A simple cough or sneeze can spread the flu from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that sick employees stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Unfortunately, a person can be infected with the flu and not realize it for a few days. Keep germs at bay with Clorox® 4 in One Disinfectant and Sanitizer, an aerosol spray that sanitizes the air and kills odor-causing airborne bacteria. It is EPA-registered and can be used on hard and soft surfaces like mats, rugs and cushions.

6. Healthy habits, happy immune system

Schools and businesses can be proactive about health by encouraging students and employees to get a good night’s rest, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods so cold and flu germs don’t have a chance.

Contact your Nassco sales rep for detailed information on prevention of cold & flu in your school, office, public space or medical facility. We understand the importance of keeping employees and students healthy and have the know-how to make sure germs are kept at bay in your facility this season.