Influenza Activity Increases This Season…Does Your Cleaning Service Help to Minimize the Spread of Germs?

Written by Kathy Trivino, Director of Safety & Training (ktrivino@bravobuildingservices.com)

The flu is spreading fast this season, unlike previous years.

According to the CDC, the influenza-like illness activity has currently increased to 7.7%, which is above the national baseline of 2.2% and the highest activity recorded since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, which peaked at 7.7%.

 

This season has also resulted in a total of 63 pediatric deaths, reported by the CDC, and 17,101 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations, according to FluSurv-NET.   Widespread influenza activity was reported by Puerto Rico and 48 states including Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Unfortunately, the flu season is not over, and it is likely to remain elevated for several more weeks.

The flu is generally spread when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk.  Every time, people with flu do any of these, tiny droplets of saliva can land in the mouths or noses of other people, who are nearby, or on surfaces that people tend to touch a lot.  These surfaces, when not disinfected, can easily transmit the viruses as soon as the individuals who touch them eat or touch their mouths/noses right after.  That’s why it is important to overly emphasize hand washing, as simple as it may sound.  Hand hygiene is the #1 technique to use to eliminate the spread of the flu and other harmful viruses and bacteria.

Many workplace organizations across the country are working arduously on prevention plans to minimize the spread of the influenza, from having hand sanitizers available in conspicuous locations to posting infographics with facts about vaccinations, how the flu impacts workers, and how to avoid spreading germs.

BRAVO! Group Services can assist with these efforts as well.  We have national contract agreements with various suppliers who can facilitate the ordering and availability of items, such as hand sanitizers.  These agreements are also helpful when considering replacing your existing paper towel and hand soap dispensers with hands-free options.

BRAVO! also continues to prevent the spread of germs and the flu by educating their staff about the importance of proper disinfection methods, such as using the correct hospital grade disinfectant, dwell time, and the continuous disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, including door handles and push bars.  Furthermore, BRAVO! continues to assist customers that have reported cases of employees affected by the flu and need a total disinfection of their workplaces. If that’s your situation, please contact our office for more information.Remember, to help prevent the flu:

• Get vaccinated each year.
• Encourage others to get vaccinated.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home from work when you are sick.
• Cover yourmouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching door handles, push bars, elevator buttons or shared telephones with your bare hands…instead, use a napkin.
• Wash your hands constantly, especially before eating or touching your mouth and nose.

Have a safe and flu-free season!For more information, call us at 866-OH-BRAVO or visit www.bravobuildingservices.com.