Preventing The Spread Of Influenza At Work

A workplace can be a major source of H1N1-09 infection. Telephones, keyboards, the mouse, water fountains, and the air itself are just some of the transmission sources we must consider. It’s also a place that can be generally out of our control.

Regardless if a sneeze or cough is or is not spontaneous, common sense measures should be taken to minimize spreading germs. The simplest way is to cover the nose or mouth with hands, hankies, or tissues. But then again, we said common sense, didn’t we? Unfortunately, there are too many who haven’t a bit of common sense, or if they do, they don’t exercise it!

So how do you handle the “challenged ones” who cough and sneeze all over the place? You know, the clueless type who generally think they’re just adorable?

One of the best methods is direct confrontation. Remember, if they don’t give a hoot about you, don’t feel bad in treating them with equal disdain! If they don’t positively respond to your “Please cover your nose (or mouth),” take the matter up with your or their supervisor.

Point out that the offenders antisocial behavior is unacceptable and could negatively impact your productivity. Ask the supervisor if they’ll be able to justify a turndown in productivity when you and others become ill from a “sneezers” irresponsible actions. Of course if your supervisor owns the company, you’ll have to rephrase your comments.

But once you’ve addressed problems caused by the office misfit, there are other actions available to minimize your chances of catching the H1N1-09

Clean your office work space
If an infected co-worker has entered your workspace, used your phone, touched your keyboard or mouse, or sneezed in the immediate air, wipe all surfaces with a virus killing disinfectant such as Lysol.

Wash your hands often
Let’s face it, our hands are all over the place. From keyboards in the office to door handles and telephones, opportunities abound for picking up a virus and transmitting it to our eyes, nose, and mouth. To minimize risk from finger and hand transmission, wash your hands often!

Use disposable tissues whenever necessary
Cloth handkerchiefs are handy, but they also harbor and breed germs. Use disposable paper products whenever possible for your sneezes, runny noses, sniffles, and coughs.

Use an air purifier
The Research Center has conducted extensive studies into ionic air cleaning and ionic air purifying. What we discovered was nothing short of amazing! Over 700 serious research studies have been conducted into negative ions and ionic air cleaning, all with positive results. The U.S. Air Force uses negative ion generators in fighter cockpits to enhance the pilot’s alertness. Medical and dental clinics use them to stop airborne infections in their tracks. Asthmatics use them for near instant relief from allergies.

But you don’t have to pay an outrageous amount for one of these wondrous units. One of the best models on the market is available for less that $100! For more information on ionic air purifiers we recommend, click HERE

To read the “Here’s Health Research Center’s” White Paper on negative ions and ionic air cleaning, click HERE

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