Federal health officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that this year’s flu outbreak is more severe than any since the 2009 swine flu pandemic. Flu intensity is still climbing nationwide, and officials warn we may have many more weeks before activity declines.
From Michigan to Texas, healthcare providers and state agencies are scrambling to reduce the impact of a particularly tough flu season. So what can Facility Managers do to limit illness, maintain productivity and reduce absenteeism?
1. Cleaning For Health Cannot Be an Afterthought
During a virulent flu season, Cleaning For Health must be a top priority. It isn’t just an industry term — it’s a systematic approach that reduces the spread of harmful germs and protects cleaners, staff and customers.
Cleaning for Health includes best practices such as:
- Color-coded cloths to prevent cross-contamination
- Correct labeling and usage instructions for cleaning chemicals
- Training cleaners on dwell time for effective disinfecting
- Touch-point cleaning focused on high-contact areas
- Routine maintenance of cleaning equipment for optimal performance
A healthy workplace doesn’t happen by accident. Your cleaning company must train staff to disinfect properly, reduce viral load and limit the spread of infectious diseases.
2. Touch Points: A Critical Part of Effective Cleaning & Disease Prevention
Touch points are surfaces touched frequently throughout the day — phones, keyboards, shared office equipment, door handles, elevator buttons, faucets and light switches.
These areas accumulate high concentrations of germs. They require regular, intentional cleaning from your professional office cleaning service.
Providing antibacterial wipes for employees can also help keep personal workstations cleaner between scheduled janitorial visits.
3. Skip “Presenteeism” — When You Are Sick, Stay Home
Coming to work sick may feel responsible, but it actually destroys productivity. One contagious employee can infect an entire department.
Staying home, resting and hydrating is the best way to recover — and prevent spreading illness to coworkers and their families.
4. Stop Coughing or Sneezing Into Your Hands
Coughing or sneezing into your hands is one of the fastest ways to spread illness because your hands touch every surface around you.
Instead:
- Use a tissue, then wash your hands immediately
- If no tissue is available, sneeze into your sleeve or elbow
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Avoid handshakes during peak flu season
Germs travel easily from contaminated hands into the body through the eyes, nose or mouth — so breaking these habits is essential.
5. Proper Hand Washing Techniques Save Lives
Hand washing is simple — yet often done incorrectly or not done at all. Hands are the primary vehicle for flu viruses, making effective washing one of the most powerful tools against infection.
Employees should wash hands:
- before eating or drinking
- after using the restroom
- after touching shared surfaces
- after returning to the office or home
- after blowing their nose or assisting a sick person
- after handling chemicals
6. Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Is an Effective Stop-Gap Measure
Hand sanitizer is not a replacement for washing, but it is highly effective when soap and water aren't available. To be effective, sanitizer must contain at least 60% alcohol.
Keeping sanitizer stations near high-traffic areas and shared equipment helps reduce germ transmission significantly.
7. It’s Not Too Late for a Flu Shot
Even late in the season, a flu shot can still provide protection. Vaccinations help the body build antibodies, and many seasons show effectiveness rates of up to 90%.
Flu shots are safe for most people, inexpensive or free, and updated each year to address the most common influenza strains.
Need Help Protecting Your Workplace?
If you need professional support with medical cleaning, day porter services, school cleaning, commercial handyman services, or restroom sanitation, contact Stathakis at 1-800-278-1884.
