The flu season this year is being characterized as more intense than any since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, with more people seeking medical help for flu-like symptoms and a high rate of hospitalization among those who fall ill.
Here’s what you can do about it at your company to protect your employees from catching the flu, at the sink and beyond.
Flu Shots: Not Enough
Flu shots are the first line of defense. Their effectiveness, however, depends on how well matched the vaccine is to the strain responsible for the outbreak, which can be difficult to determine in advance. This year’s flu virus is a particularly virulent strain, health officials say, for which the vaccine may be less effective.
Although they are recommended, you cannot rely solely on a flu shot to protect yourself from getting sick.
What Can I Do to Avoid Getting Sick?
One of the most important things you and your employees can do to protect yourselves is to prevent the spread of germs with frequent handwashing, being sure to soap up between your fingers – including thumbs – and scrub for about 20 seconds.
Roscoe’s line of restroom and sanitation supplies can help, with a range of products to help prevent the spread of disease and keep you and your employees healthy.
Hand Soaps
In addition to other bathroom supplies, Roscoe offers anti-bacterial, antiseptic hand soaps available in both a rich, lathering lotion and a grittier version for industrial work environments. We also offer E2 Foaming Hand Soap, specially formulated for use in the food processing industries, as well as hotels, airports, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other places where health and hygiene standards are particularly stringent.
Foam Soaps
In addition to our line of hand soaps, Roscoe also offers antimicrobial foam soap. Thick and fragrant, foam soap is anti-bacterial and suitable for restrooms.
Waterless Hand Sanitizers
When handwashing isn’t an option, Roscoe’s waterless hand sanitizers clean and protect the skin while also helping to prevent the transfer of germs and illness between employees, whether they’re in the office or on the factory floor. Neither water nor towels are required. Research shows that alcohol-based hand sanitizers can provide an important defense against the spread of germs.
Next Steps
Cold and flu season can be fierce, but so is a strong defense against the spread of germs. Roscoe’s restroom and facilities management services, including hand and foam soaps, hand sanitizers, air fresheners, toilet seat cleaner, urinal cleaner and paper towels and tissue, can help reduce the spread of disease and cut down on sick days. Protect your employees with a program that keeps you well-stocked with the supplies you need to maintain a safe, healthy and clean workplace during flu season – and year-round. Contact us to learn more about our restroom supplies and facilities management services.
