Keep Germs (and Swine Flu Outbreaks) Under Control at Work

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Even though some other news issues are getting more attention than the H1N1 (swine flu) virus this summertime, United States health functionaries are anxious that the virus may possibly return again during the fall flu season. Past experience has shown that pandemics similar to the swine flu virus often show up in waves and the second wave is generally more severe than the first one in most cases. Adaptive Marketing in Norwalk, Connecticut, a company that has programs that facilitate participants in saving money on items associated with healthcare and other necessitates, is sharing the information that they have acquired about the steps that are necessary to diminish the spread of germs at work. Taking these easy safety measures should help in battling the spread of diseases like the swine flu.

It is likely that the swine flu virus is transferred in ways that are similar to other influenza viruses. This means that the H1N1 virus is expected to spread due to coughing and sneezing. So the initial responsibility of every worker in the office is to try and keep their germs to themselves irrespective of whether they are ill or not. Cover your nose and mouth and sneeze or cough into a tissue paper only. Remember to wash your hands often and use an alcohol-based hand rub or sanitizer if water and soap are not easily obtainable.

Since germs can survive on office furniture, office workers should avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth throughout the day. It is a smart idea to post signs reminding employees of the need to take care against transmitting germs or being infected by germs in work surroundings like the offices of Adaptive Marketing. Disinfecting areas, including telephone sets and chairs, can help prevent the spread of germs too.

The issue of wearing surgical facial masks in the office is also being discussed extensively. Do they really protect the wearer against H1N1 and other viruses or are they a rumor that has been spread by companies that make face masks. According to health experts, you would need to endure a full-faced mask that has a high efficiency particle air filter to genuinely protect yourself from the swine flu virus. But then, when familiar workers are falling sick around you and there is a high risk of getting contaminated with the virus, a medical mask might offer some level of protection at least.

One of the better ways to thwart the transfer of germs in the office is to advocate that workers stay at home if they are having any flu-like symptoms. Adaptive Marketing thinks that employers should make it acceptable and even encourage employees to stay at home when they are slightly unwell. Of course, it is impossible to keep maintain extremely high levels of disinfection and obtain an environment that is completely germ-free at the workplace. However, it should be kept in mind that though the swine flu pandemic seems to be subsiding in the States, the warning of its return is not a scam. As the autumnal season approaches, Adaptive Marketing will be stepping up its attempts to obstruct the spread of germs at the workplace, in an attempt to nip the virus before it spreads to a large number of people.