3 Tips for Reducing the Spread of Flu in Your Facility

We are the midst of one of the worst Flu seasons on record.  The CDC recently announced that for the first time since monitoring began 13 years ago, that every part of the continental U.S. showed “widespread” flu activity.  Proactive Facility Managers can take the following steps to help reduce the spread of the flu in their facilities.      

Promote Proper Hand Hygiene

Since germs can be spread by hand from one person to another person or surface proper hand hygiene in your facility is vital. 

Facility Managers can help promote proper hand washing by posting bulletins and posters that help remind occupants of the importance of good hand washing habits.  Check with your cleaning service provider or sanitary supply distributor about hand hygiene resources.

Clean and Disinfect Touch Point Surfaces

Since the flu can be spread by infected individuals touching objects that are then touched by others it is very important to disinfect those surfaces regularly.  Surfaces such as door knobs, elevator buttons, handrails, public counters, or any other surface that is frequently touched by multiple individuals should be cleaned and disinfected as frequently as possible.  Since most cleaning programs do not include disinfecting of all these surfaces routinely it’s important to speak with your cleaning staff or janitorial service provider about touch point disinfecting services.      

Using the Right Products and Procedures

These touchpoint surfaces should be cleaned then disinfected using an EPA-registered disinfectant to kill germs.  Be sure to follow label directions and allow for proper dwell time, the amount of time necessary for the disinfectant to reside on the surface in order to effectively kill the germs.  An electrostatic spray system such as the Clorox® Total 360® System is a cost-effective way to achieve 360-degree disinfection coverage.  

Now that you have taken steps to help prevent the spread of flu in your facility it is important to be prepared in the case of an outbreak.  The CDC can be a great resource for information to help prepare your facility’s plan.  A qualified janitorial service provider can also be a great resource for flu prevention and clean up after an outbreak of flu.