Influenza, or more commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by certain viruses. It causes thousands of deaths in the US alone, along with hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations. The flu season can be an extremely challenging time for any workplace. As we all know, the virus can spread quickly, causing disruptions and impacting the health of employees. To combat this, it’s crucial to implement effective strategies to prevent the flu from making its way through the office. In addition, one highly practical and efficient solution is to hire experienced professionals to handle the commercial cleaning. Of course, as you put together a plan to maintain a healthy and productive work environment, it’s essential to first know what your dealing with.
Onset of Symptoms and Potential Early Transmission
Symptoms of the flu typically manifest about two days after the virus infects a person’s respiratory tract, although this timeframe can vary from one to four days. Importantly, even before symptoms become apparent, an infected person may still spread flu viruses to close contacts. This means that carriers of the virus might unknowingly transmit it to others before experiencing any noticeable symptoms. It’s also possible that the type of flu the worker has does not result in typical flu symptoms. This silent transmission poses a unique challenge in flu prevention, emphasizing the importance of adopting preventive measures to maintain a healthy workspace.
Person-to-Person Transmission
The flu is highly contagious, and individuals infected with the virus can easily pass it on to others. According to experts, the primary mode of flu virus transmission is through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people within close proximity, typically around 6 feet, and may be inhaled into the lungs. Additionally, there’s significant risk of contracting the flu by touching a surface or object contaminated with the virus and subsequently touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes. That’s why frequent hand washing is recommended as an anti-flu precaution.
Understanding the Workplace Flu Threat
The flu presents a formidable challenge for businesses, manifesting in symptoms such as high fever, body aches, and fatigue. To proactively address the risks associated with the flu, employers must implement robust strategies, including sick time and hygiene practices. One way of minimizing the spread of the flu virus is to prohibit people from coming to work when they have the infection. Or, send them home if they exhibit symptoms of the disease, such as high fever, body aches, and fatigue. However, maintaining a clean and sanitized environment is equally crucial in preventing the flu from circulating among employees.
Using Commercial Cleaning Services
Another effective way of stopping the spread of flu within the workplace is to hire experienced and reliable commercial cleaning company. Their expertise lies not just in the elimination of visible dirt and grime. More importantly they focus on disinfecting surfaces that could potentially harbor infectious viruses. With a commercial cleaning service, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of having the flu spread in your workplace like wildfire.
Benefits of Using Commercial Cleaning Pros:
- Thorough Cleaning and Disinfection:
Commercial cleaning professionals know that cleaning is way more than just wiping down surfaces in restrooms and breakrooms. Plus, they understand the importance of targeting high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, toilets, faucet handles, desks, and computer mice. By thoroughly cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing with the proper chemicals, they effectively eliminate viruses, reducing the risk of flu transmission.
- Specialized Knowledge and Experience:
Unlike setting up an in-house cleaning team, commercial cleaning services specialize in flu prevention. Their expertise equips them with the knowledge to identify and prioritize areas prone to contamination. This targeted approach ensures a more effective defense against the flu virus in the workplace.
- Minimizing Workplace Disruption:
By investing in commercial cleaning services, employers demonstrate not only respect and compassion for their personnel but also a commitment to minimizing the severity of flu-related disruptions. A flu outbreak can lead to increased absenteeism and decreased productivity, affecting both employees and the overall functioning of the business. Professional cleaning services play a crucial role in preventing these disruptions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, maintaining a flu-free workplace is a collective responsibility that requires strategic planning and effective implementation. Utilizing commercial cleaning services emerges as a practical and efficient solution to combat the flu’s spread. By prioritizing thorough cleaning, disinfection, and leveraging specialized knowledge, employers can create a healthier work environment for their staff. Investing in professional cleaning services safeguards the well-being of employees and also contributes to the overall resilience and productivity of the workplace.
