Now is the time to prepare for the upcoming flu season. This past flu season was one of the worst on record. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the 2017-18 season was the first to be classified as “high severity across all age groups”.
Public facilities (schools, office buildings, etc.) are always a potential hotbed for the spread of influenza due to the high levels of use and traffic. However, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the spread of influenza within those spaces. Facility managers can help protect their inhabitants and visitors by adopting a few time-tested flu prevention techniques.
Flu Prevention Starts With the Hands – Proper Hand Hygiene
Proper hand hygiene is always important, but it becomes even more critical during flu season. Every year hundreds of thousands of people are exposed to the flu virus via hand to hand contact. Proper hand-washing is an easy and cost-effective tool in the fight against the flu; however, it must be done properly.
According to the CDC , proper hand-washing consists of five steps: wetting, lathering, scrubbing (for at least 20 seconds), rinsing, and drying. Wetting, lathering and scrubbing must be done with clean running water and a high quality hand soap. The hands should be dried with a clean towel or under an air drier
Touch-Point Cleaning
Every facility has surfaces that are exposed to heavy human contact. Those surfaces include light switches, door knobs, faucets, push plates, elevator buttons, etc. Without proper touch-point cleaning, those surfaces can become a breeding ground for the flu virus and other pathogens.
A routine schedule should be established for the cleaning and disinfection of all high-contact areas. To achieve the maximum effectiveness of your touch-point cleaning there are a few protocols that should be followed:
Use the Right Products and Techniques
Cleaning and Disinfecting are not the same thing. Not all cleaning products will kill the flu virus. Be sure to select products that have been EPA-registered as influenza killers. There are several types of disinfectants that are effective on both hard and soft surfaces. These products will come with specific instructions for use (dwell times, mix-ratios, amounts to be used, etc.). Ensure that those directions are followed closely. The dwell time is especially critical since that is the amount of time the product needs to reside on the area being cleaned in order to kill the virus.
Ensure that your cleaning staff is using the required tools and materials. This could include an electrostatic dispensing system, gloves, masks, and microfiber towels.
Education
Do not overlook the importance of flu prevention education. Make sure that your cleaning staff is adequately trained on all aspects of touch-point cleaning and that your employees understand the importance of proper hand hygiene.
Following these guidelines will help protect your employees, and your visitors, during the upcoming flu season.
Is your cleaning staff adequately trained on all aspects of touch-point cleaning? Let us know in the section for comments below.
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