Touch stimulates the release of endorphins (the body’s natural pain killers). There are approximately 5 million touch receptors in our skin—3,000 in each finger tip. However we have between 2 and 10 million bacteria between fingertip and elbow. We shake hands, touch door handles, answer office phones, etc. all the time and do not think twice about it. With flu season coming we have to be more cautious.
Don’t wait for the flu to catch you. There is a lot you can do to help minimize the risk of getting the flu, even if you’re exposed.
Good preventive health habits, an annual flu shot, and the proper disinfecting cleaning products can help keep you and your co-workers flu-free — even during flu season
Here is a “fun” fact:
A kitchen sink is dirtier than a bathroom sink. There are approximately 500,000 bacteria lurking around your drain alone. Over 50 million bacteria in a single colony can live on one sponge.
We can help you get those breakrooms on the right track! A healthy employee is a productive employee. There are so many products on the market today that will help prevent your office form becoming a permanent home for the flu virus and germs in general.
Wash those hands
The flu virus can spread by direct contact, such as sharing drinks, or through indirect contact, such as when an infected coworker sneezes on her hands and touches an object like the lunchroom microwave door. The influenza virus can live for 2 to 8 hours on surfaces. During flu season, everyone should wash their hands frequently to reduce the risk of transmitting germs to others. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.*1
Cover your sneezes and coughs
When you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue (not your hands), and be sure to throw the tissue away immediately.
You can also cough into your sleeve if you don’t have a tissue handy. Hand sanitizers can also help. Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to keep germs away.
-Cynthia Contreras
ccontreras@oxpros.com
Business Account Specialist
Healthy Workplace Advocate
