When you are in the office working closely with your colleagues you have a much higher chance of catching influenza!
Workplaces with large groups of people working near each other are the number one location for transmitting the influenza virus. You may be surprised to know that the common cold and the influenza virus cost employers 1% of their total annual wage budget. Also, people who go to work despite being sick cost the employer three times this. This is due to time spent out of work and lost productivity. Some scientists believe that up to 80% of all infections are transmitted by hands (CDC Works 24/7, 2016).
21 case studies were carried out all around the world to try and discover what the best method of reducing these illnesses was.
The Result?
Hand Washing!
It was discovered that good hand hygiene can reduce illness and absence from work by on average of 40%.Many of the leading health authorities believe that the influenza virus cannot survive for long periods on the hands. However they are in agreement that hands are the number one source for transmission of this virus. In fact, the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that “Hand Hygiene is the single most effective means of preventing the spread of infection”
How does the virus get transmitted you may ask?
According to the European Centre for Disease Control Prevention and Control (ECDC) “It spreads from person to person via droplets from an infected person who is coughing or sneezing. The droplets or secretions settle on the surface or on people’s hands which then are touched by other people who touch their own eyes, nose or mouth”.
To combat the transmission of influenza we at Cannon Hygiene suggest that you regularly wash your hands while at work and use a hand sanitiser at your desk.
- “CDC Works 24/7”. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 July 2016.
- “What The Experts Say: Key Facts | Deb Group – Commercial Skin Care Products”.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 13 July 2016.