Flu is something to take into account if you are a business owner. 10-20% of people in New Zealand get the flu every year. Some of them even end up in hospitals. This presents a big burden for primary health care and the hospitals.
On the other note, it can cripple businesses. A severe flu season means countless sick days called in. it leaves small business owners with less workforce and a lot of work to be done.
Alsco can help by providing efficient and flawless washroom hygiene which prevents the flu from spreading.
You can’t predict the flu epidemic, but you can do your best to diminish its effects in your workplace. Protect your workers and do everything in your power to prevent the flu from spreading.
It is always better to be safe than sorry. Here are the things you can do to stay healthy.
Prevent the Flu with Vaccines
Flu is a viral disease, so vaccines can’t heal you once the virus is already in your system. However, they can prevent the viruses from infecting you in the first place.
Encourage your employees to get the vaccine. Some of them can be eligible for the free seasonal influenza vaccination. By preventing your own infection, you will also save your colleagues from getting the flu.
Boosting the Immune System with Good Eating Habits
Your immune system is your first line of defence. You need to keep it up and ready to fight off such a strong virus. Good dietary habits can make all the difference.
Boost your immune system by getting some more of the following vitamins:
- Vitamin C: citrus fruits, kiwi, watermelon, strawberries, blueberries
- Vitamin A: carrots, meat, melon, avocado, eggs, cheese, broccoli
- Vitamin E: olives, almonds, fish and all green, leafy vegetables
Making Exercise Your Daily Habit
Exercise makes your blood pumping and your sweat running. This means that your body releases the toxins and replenishes your system with fresh oxygen.
Exercising to prevent the flu doesn’t mean that you should turn into a pro athlete. However, one 30-minute workout a day will make all the difference. If it can be done on fresh air – even better.
Getting Proper Rest
Sleep deprivation is one of the worst enemies of your immune system. It is just as bad for you like stress. You need 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep at night.
The exact number depends on your body. Some people benefit from short power naps throughout the day, but they can’t replace the good night sleep.
Stress is another way your body becomes vulnerable to the flu. You can’t avoid stressful situations at all costs, but you can do your best to reduce its impact on you.
Choose one of the stress relief methods and implement them in your daily routines. You can:
- Meditate
- Do yoga
- Listen to soothing music
- Get a massage
- Enjoy herbal tea
Tweaking Your Personal Habits
You can catch the flu by touching something that is infected and then introducing it to your system. To prevent that, you need to boost your hygienic habits. Encourage your employees to wash their hands all the time.
It is advisable to wash the hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds and then to dry your hands for another 20.
One of the best things you can do for your workplace is to install hand sanitizers at all crucial points. Especially near workers that handle food and drinks, money or get in touch with a lot of other people throughout the day.
Other things you can do to prevent the flu are:
- avoiding to share glasses and the cutlery
- avoiding crowded places
- allowing fresh air flow indoors
- have hand sanitizer with you at all times
- refrain from touching your face and mouth
Taking Care of the Washroom
Washroom needs to be spotless and perfectly equipped throughout the flu season, especially in a school environment where infections spread in the blink of an eye.
(Read this School Washroom Guide and learn how to turn a school washroom into a pleasant and healthy place.)
You need to clean it all the time and manage it closely. Essential things in your washroom are:
It is a big task to keep track of restocking your washroom and about keeping it well cleaned. Luckily, you can rent all these from Alsco and make sure it never runs out of stock.
Clean Thoroughly and Frequently
You need to shorten the intervals between two deep cleanings around your office. Your washroom needs to be cleaned thoroughly and treated with strong cleaning products.
Letting Alsco do that for you will make you forget about your washroom management. On the other hand – your washroom will be cleaner than ever. This will stop the virus from spreading and make your workplace healthier.
Alsco can help you fight flu at your workplace. Rent all the equipment needed for a healthier workplace and don’t worry about its maintenance. We will do all that for you. Including that deep cleaning that you need during the flu season.
Contact us today and ask for a free quote. Our representatives will make sure you get the best price possible and the most efficient service available
Photo Courtesy: Flickr Image by William Brawley
