Last year, the strong restrictions and hygiene measures to control the COVID-19 virus also helped to prevent the spread of influenza (flu). Much fewer cases of flu were reported last winter compared to most years. However, since last winter, many of the restrictions have been withdrawn. This means that the flu is likely to spread again this winter. Often this happens in the workplace, but there are some preventive measures that employers can take.
How bad will the next flu epidemic be?
Keeping your distance, closed pubs and leisure venues, working at home and wearing masks ensured that the flu did not spread anywhere near as much as usual last year. But how will the situation develop this year? Experts are not sure. Some say that the flu wave will be as weak as last year. Others think that this year’s flu epidemic will be fierce.
Apart from the fact that every flu infection is one too much, a severe flu epidemic would also have unpleasant consequences for the economy. If the wave of illness is severe this year, experts estimate that countries all over Europe could suffer economic losses of billions of euros. This could hit many companies hard. But there are a few things employers can do to mitigate the flu epidemic, so read on to find out our tips.
Protective measures against infection with influenza
#1 Offer flu vaccinations in your company
Many European health ministries strongly advise flu vaccination. It is considered to be one of the most effective measures to prevent a severe case of the disease. Therefore, offer your employees the chance to be vaccinated. This way you increase safety among your employees.
#2 Regular airing of offices and common spaces helps
Influenza is very contagious and is transmitted when people sneeze, cough or talk. Tiny droplets containing the virus get into the air and might be breathed in by other people. Fresh air, however, helps. Thanks to regular airing, pathogens cannot remain in rooms for long.
#3 Staying hydratedis good for the health
It also helps to keep the mucous membranes hydrated, because dry mucous membranes are more sensitive to viruses. A great way to encourage employees to stay hydrated is to provide delicious teas during the winter season. In addition, it makes sense in winter to place bowls of water in the office. This increases the humidity, which also prevents the mucous membranes from drying out.
#4 Hand cleanliness is so important
Influenza viruses can easily be transmitted by the hands. The pathogens can stick on door handles, stair railings or objects in the office. If the mouth, nose or eyes are touched after touching these contaminated surfaces, the flu virus can enter the body through the mucous membranes. However, regular hand washing for about 30 seconds effectively interrupts this transmission. Make your employees aware of the importance of hand washing with educational posters in your washrooms. And in those moments when neither water nor soap are available, sanitising hands is advisable. Therefore, provide dispensers with sanitisers at entrance, exit and meeting areas.
#5 Safety on the go
Many employees commute to work by underground or bus. Here they touch grab-bars and handholds, which have been gripped by many others before. If your employees can sanitise on the go, they can avoid picking up unwelcome germs. Therefore, provide your staff with our smallest portable solution for hand sanitising, our PURELL PERSONALS™. The sachets are small enough to fit in any pocket. They contain three milliliters of PURELL Advanced Hygienic Hand Rubwhich has been proven to be effective against 99.9 percent of all harmful germs. The application is very simple. Hold the pack with the logo side up, break it open in the middle and spread the hand sanitising gel that flows out onto your hands. Wait until the solution has dried. Easy-peasy.
Stay healthy!
