Preventing the Spread of Germs This Flu Season
With coronavirus (COVID-19) on everyone’s mind, the spread of germs this flu season has become even more in the spotlight. While the CDC is still monitoring the progression of the virus, there are some general practices that can help prevent the spread of the disease. These same practices also work well to help lessen the spread of the flu, cold, and other such illnesses.
1. Stay home from work if you are sick or show symptoms of an illness.
If you are running a fever, coughing, sneezing, have a headache, or other symptoms common with colds and flus, stay home. The last thing you want to do is spread whatever you have to your coworkers.
2. Keep your kids home from school if they are showing symptoms of an illness.
If your kids have a cough or are showing signs of the flu, don’t send them to school. It can be tempting for many parents to send them anyway when they can’t take off work or have someone to watch their kids. If you do, you are putting other children at risk too.
3. Keep your distance from anyone who is sick.
You want to avoid close contact with anyone who has the flu, cold, or other illness, as best as possible. At home, it can be difficult to do this, but try to keep those sick isolated from others.
4. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
You should get into the habit of washing your hands after using the bathroom, before eating, after shopping, or coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. If you don’t have access to soap and water, make sure you carry hand sanitizer with you that is at least 60% alcohol.
5. Only wear a face mask if you are sick or are a healthcare worker.
Face masks only need to be worn by people who are sick or showing flu or cold symptoms. Wearing one if you are not sick is only necessary if you work in close proximity to people who could potentially be sick, like in nursing homes, hospitals, etc.
6. Clean and disinfect surfaces and any objects touched often.
You want to clean and disinfect anything that is touched or used every day, such as countertops, computers, smartphones, tablets, remote controls, handles and knobs, food prep and cooking areas, desks, etc. A regular antibacterial household cleaner is sufficient to kill germs.
7. Wear protective gloves if necessary.
Certain types of jobs may also benefit from wearing protective gloves. For example, if you work in healthcare, wearing gloves is required to protect yourself. Many food service positions also require the use of gloves as a precaution.
8. Upgrade the type of hand wash soap you use.
You want to use an antibacterial foam hand wash to help kill more germs than regular soap. Businesses should also consider installing alcohol instant foam hand sanitizer dispensers in various areas throughout their building.
If you believe you have coronavirus, flu, or cold symptoms, stay home and contact your healthcare provider.
Prudential Overall Supply Provides Everything Your Facility Needs
To learn more about our glove service program or order healthcare foam hand wash and hand sanitizer, as well as restroom facility products, to help reduce the spread of germs, please feel free to contact Prudential Overall Supply at 800-767-5536 today!