Security and Safety Tips
Tips for How to Fight Viral Infections
The recent outbreak of viral infections around the world
shows how quickly exotic diseases can spread in modern times. As traveling
worldwide only becomes faster, the chances of similar occurrences only
increases. Symptoms to look out for that are flu-related include high fever,
cough, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, and a sore throat. If you suspect you
have the flu, see your doctor right away.
Below are tips and considerations for situations where you
or people you know develop symptoms or sickness from a flu-like illness.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay at home when you are sick. The rest will
help you recover, and seclusion prevents spreading the illness to others.
- You can carry an infectious virus for five to
seven days after symptoms appear. Young children and people with weakened
immune systems might be contagious for more extended periods.
- Make sure to cover your mouth and nose when
coughing or sneezing. Sneezing and coughing both release fine particles of
mucus and saliva into the air. Other people can inhale these particles. If a
healthy person comes in contact with the germs and then touches their mouth or
nose, they can catch the illness.
- To help maintain your body’s ability to fight
against infections, make sure to get plenty of sleep, stay physically fit,
reduce your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. This
practice can help prevent the entry of germs and viruses into your body and can
help prevent you from spreading germs and infections if you are infected.
- Wash your hands often to remove any traces of
the virus.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched
surfaces, especially when someone is ill. Studies have shown that the flu virus
can live for two to eight hours after being left on a surface.
Preventative
Measures to Avoid Viral Infections in the Office
Taking precautionary measures is a significant step towards
avoiding sickness. Below are tips and considerations for preventing illness
from viruses.
- Provide hand-washing stations and hand
sanitizer.
- Provide waste receptacles and ask that tissues
be discarded immediately after usage.
- Keep work stations and office spaces routinely
clean.
- Take the time to educate employees on the
benefits of a healthy and clean work environment.
- Promote a healthy living culture to boost the
immune system.
- Collaborate with your local health department
and other organizations for the latest information.
For more information
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/flu/resource-center/freeresources
The US Government’s Flu Resource: www.flu.gov
As always, if you “See Something, Say Something”. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).