Want to know some tips on office cleaning in the flu season? It’s almost spring, and we all know what that means—bike rides, spring festivals, and long-awaited tax returns. Unfortunately, some not-so-good things come at the end of winter, too. Research shows that there is a significant spike in flu activity between the months of December and February. According to the CDC, over 30,000 people were hospitalized for the flu during the 2017-2018 flu season, making it the highest ever recorded through the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network. With such daunting numbers, flu prevention is a must this year.

Here are some helpful tips to keep the flu out of your office or business space:

1. Wipe Down Surfaces

‍Ever wonder how many millions of germs are on your desk? Or maybe if last person to handle the office phone washed their hands recently? Frequently touched objects such as phones, doorknobs, handles, light switches, vending machines, and keyboards are popular hubs for germs and bacteria. If you work at a restaurant, frequently touched items can also include menus and condiments. Be sure to wipe them down as often as you can!

2. Wash Your Hands

‍This one may seem like a no-brainer, but washing your hands is key to maintaining not only your health, but the health of everyone else around you. In restaurants and other food establishments especially, be sure to wash your hands after touching menus and cash, which are constantly being handled by other people. Remember to wash well between your fingers and underneath your nails, as those are two key areas that are often overlooked. A good rule of thumb is to sing or hum Happy Birthday two times or more as you scrub, which should last around 20 seconds. And if you’re in a pinch—hand sanitizer is a great way to fight germs on-the-go.

3. Be Wary of Soap Dispensers

‍Ironically, soap dispensers can be significant carriers of germs in spite of their clean reputation. This is especially true of bulk, or reusable soap dispensers, which have been known to house certain kinds of bacteria. These strains may linger on the user’s hands long after they’ve finished washing them, and widely contribute to cross-contamination among surfaces, foods, and other people. To ensure that your soap is not compromised, it’s a good idea to switch from using reusable soap dispensers to a sealed-cartridge soap system. If this isn’t currently an option, cleaning the insides of reusable soap dispensers on a regular basis is also a good solution.

4. If You Feel Sick, Stay Home!

‍If you’re feeling run down or stuffy, chances are you’re coming down with something. If that something happens to be the flu, you (and your coworkers) are better off if you take a sick day. According to the CDC, people are most at risk of spreading the flu virus within the first 3-4 days after the start of their illness. One sick worker is better than an entire sick office, so take some time for yourself, and know that your co-workers and clients will thank you for it.

5. Get in Touch with a Cleaning Service Company

‍By retaining a cleaning service company, you will have the peace of mind that all necessary steps will be taken to clean common surfaces that harbor germs. Cleaning companies also have the right cleaning equipment and methods to ensure that all viruses and germs are effectively killed.

If you are able to clean these surfaces on a regular basis, there are other steps you can take to improve health around the office. Remember to eat healthier foods, keep your body active, take leave when you are infected by the flu virus, and cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing.

Do follow these tips on office cleaning in flu season and you will be able to reduce the amount of sick leave, keeping your employees healthy and productive.

Sources:

Bulk Soap Dispensers: https://www.cleanlink.com/hs/article/Risks-Of-Using-Bulk-Soap-Dispensers--22754

Hand Washing: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

2017-2018 Flu Season: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2017-2018.htm

Flu Myths Infographic: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/awareness/_documents/11-flu-myths-infographic-interactive.pdf

Key Facts: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm