germ warfare preventing the spread of germs, colds and flu around the workplace

Germ WarfareGerm Warfare

Preventing the spread of germs, colds Preventing the spread of germs, colds and flu around the workplace.and flu around the workplace.

Cold & Flu Season Is HereCold & Flu Season Is Here

•Many experts agree the office just may be the worst for spreading germs!

•Office equipment can harbor viruses & bacteria

•What places in the offices do you think are germ hot spots?

Top Germ Top Germ Hot SpotsHot Spots

5. Blackberry (PDA)

4. Office refrigerator (and other places in the office kitchen)

3. Candy dish in the “gathering place”

2. Your telephone

1. The FAX machine

Germ Warfare ChecklistGerm Warfare Checklist

1. Wash your hands – thoroughly and often

2. Clean your desktop

3. Enforce rules to keep the office kitchen germ free

4. Get a flu shot

Wash Your HandsWash Your Hands•Proper hand washing is one of the most important steps in preventing illnesses, colds & flu

•80% of infections are spread by the hands

•20 seconds of scrubbing with warm water & soap

•You can sing a fun song to ensure you are washing long enough

•Happy birthday twice!

Wash Your HandsWash Your HandsAn alcohol-based hand sanitizer, like the one given out at this program, can also be used. 

•Not to replace hand washing•Use if you do not have access to soap & water•Keep in briefcase, purse or pocket

Cover your coughs & sneezes with your sleeve

•Germs are caught in fabric•Germs are not airborne or on hands

Clean Your DesktopClean Your Desktop Wipe desktop & office equipment with

disinfectant wipes

Wipe desk, telephone, keyboard, mouse, door handles, buttons, etc

Germs can last up to 2 days,so wipe down hot spots everycouple days

“Canned air” sprays helpremove crumbs on keyboard

Clean Your DesktopClean Your Desktop Keep desk surface clean,

especially if you eat there Wrap & dispose of uneaten food

immediately Don’t store leftovers in

your desk Be sure to wash hands

before & after eating Use hand sanitizer if you

can’t get to a sink

Enforce Office Kitchen Enforce Office Kitchen RulesRules

No food left in refrigerator (or anywhere else) overnight

Wash dishes with hot, soapy water right away – don’t leave overnight

Heat moist sink sponge in microwave to kill bacteria

Use paper towels

& discard after using Clean coffee pot at

least once a week

Get a Flu Shot – FREE!Get a Flu Shot – FREE! The flu shot does not give you the

flu COVA Care, COVA

HDHP & covered family members getfree shot or nasal spray

DHRM website: www.dhrm.virginia.gov

Wellness benefit pays100% for flu vaccinationsat doctor’s offices

What if you still get sick?What if you still get sick? Colds & flu are viruses Antibiotics treat infections, not

viruses REST & drink plenty of fluids If symptoms worsen

contact doctor Stay home & prevent

spread of illness to

co-workers

CommonHealth CommonHealth Germ Warfare Reminders!Germ Warfare Reminders!

Wash your hands Wash your hands thoroughly and oftenthoroughly and often

Use hand sanitizer Use hand sanitizer Cough into your sleeveCough into your sleeve Clean your office area, Clean your office area,

including the kitchenincluding the kitchen Get a Flu VaccineGet a Flu Vaccine

Questions?Questions?

Please visit the CommonHealth website for more information & great resources

www.commonhealth.virginia.gov

Thank You Thank You for participating!for participating!

Have a healthy day!Have a healthy day!