Flu activity continues to be widespread throughout the continental U.S. If you work in an office, a school and especially if you are a healthcare worker, it's important to practice healthy habits to better protect yourself and others from the flu and other illnesses.
During this time of year, distributors, like Concordance, know the influx in demand for flu products including diagnostic tests, face masks, gloves and sanitization products. Everyone can do their part to protect both themselves and others around them. Check out these tips to help you stay healthy in the workplace this flu season:
1. Recognize Flu Symptoms
Stay healthy at work by recognizing flu symptoms in yourself and others. Those who are sick with the flu usually exhibit the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
More serious flu symptoms include body aches, vomiting and diarrhea. Some of these advanced symptoms are more common in young children. The flu is different from the common cold and can come on suddenly. It's also important to recognize these symptoms early so that you can get to your doctor for immediate testing and treatment.
2. Hand Hygiene
We've said it before and we'll say it again and again, hand hygiene is important. Wash your hands properly with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially during flu season. Washing your hands regularly removes dirt, germs and other pathogenic organisms that may be present after using the bathroom, touching common space items, surfaces, door handles and more. During flu season, proper hand hygiene not only protects you from contracting the flu, but also reduces the spread to others. Remember to wash your hands:
- Before eating or cooking a meal
- After shaking hands with someone
- Before caring for an open wound or sore
- After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
3. Infection Control
Primary care offices, emergency rooms and other exam room spaces need to be equipped with the proper infection control items. From hand hygiene supplies for both healthcare workers and patients to antiseptics, replaceable covers and protective single-use products, make sure your healthcare space is prepared with the right products at the right time.
Sanitization products help eliminate germs on shared surfaces no matter where you work. Non healthcare work environments can also do their part in infection control. Wipe down surfaces, door knobs and use hand sanitizer in between washing hands with soap and water.
4. Stay Home
If you find yourself sick with the sniffles or the real deal - influenza A or B - stay home from work and other professional events. Some cases of the flu can cause mild symptoms and discomfort, while others can be more severe. By staying home, you're not only directly protecting your coworkers, but their families, children and friends as well. Typically, when you are sick with the flu it is best advised to stay home except for visiting a doctor. If you do have to leave home while sick with the flu, take precautions to protect others. Wear a tight fitting face mask and don't touch your face, mouth or nose to be sure not to spread your illness to touchable surfaces like door handles.
With an experienced team and access to thousands of suppliers, Concordance Healthcare Solutions is prepared to provide the supplies you need to fight the flu.