With the growing acceptance of social distancing and the use of masks in the workplace, the risk of spread of these other viruses is much lower. Good hand hygiene, continued use of masks and implementing social distancing measures goes a long way to preventing the spread of all infections, not just SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19).
Another way to help prevent the spread of any virus is to ensure that everyone keeps their workstations clean. Studies have shown that the virus can live on surfaces for up to 28 days. This may be as simple as washing desks and keyboards with alcohol wipes daily or even multiple times per day. If you want to go the extra mile, sanitation companies can be arranged to come on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis to eliminate viruses from all surfaces. This can be especially helpful if someone in the workplace tests positive for any viral or bacterial infection.
Influenza season has already begun, but it is not too late to get a “flu shot.” Influenza vaccines are widely available nationwide. Traditionally, flu shots are often overlooked by younger and healthier people, but it is commonplace for those working in a hospital setting to have “mandatory” flu vaccinations or to prove why they cannot (eg egg allergy). You may find it helpful to provide flu shots for your employees and make it mandatory for this season. That could go a long way in decreasing the likelihood of an influenza breakout in your workplace.
Lastly, when dealing with an employee or co-worker that becomes ill, it is important to get testing quickly for both COVID-19 and for influenza A/B. Using quarantine measures and isolating those employees from the office will help stop the spread and decrease the likelihood of a breakout. Rapid testing is now available for both COVID-19 and Flu A/B. Results can be delivered in just 15 minutes for each.
If you are interested in learning more about how to get rapid testing, flu shots or sanitization services please contact us at [email protected].
