Swine flu: effective workplace infection control

Current position

Governments around the world are working hard to contain the spread of the virus after initial outbreaks were reported in Mexico, the US and Canada. Over the summer months the number of confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK has dramtically increased. Many businesses are now reporting staff absences and the expected upsurge of swine flu in the autumn poses a real threat to business continuity. Businesses are being urged by the Government's Health Protection Agency to prepare for a full swine flu pandemic and implement business contingeny measures. Follow this link to download a Pandemic Influenza Checklist for Businesses.

Swine flu symptoms

The National Health Service website advises that the following principal symptoms define swine flu:

• sudden fever
• sudden cough

A graphical explanation of the possible range of symptons may also be helpful (follow this link). As with any sort of influenza, the severity and duration of symptoms will vary depending on treatment and individual circumstances. The vast majority of reported cases in the UK have been relatively mild, with those affected starting to recover within a week.

Simple tips for infection control

• wash their hands frequently with soap and water
• use hand sanitisers
• use tissues when sneezing and coughing and dispose of them immediately after use
• keep hard surfaces clean at all times

How can we help?

Cleaningnet offers an extensive range of anti-bacterial soaps, hand sanistisers and hard surface cleaning products which can greatly help with securing effective infection control in your workplace. We have also formulated a quick guide "Swine flu protection kit", consisting of a short list of essential products.

Antibacterial soaps

Regular and thorough washing of hands with soap and water still remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection. Anti-bacterial soaps, containing specific agents designed to target and eradicate bacteria, provide enhanced effectiveness. Cleaningnet offers a full range of anti-bacterial soaps from all the leading soap manufacturers. Click here or on the image to the left to display a full selection.

Hand sanitisers

Hand sanistisers are also an effective means of general infection control. Ideal for use outside the washroom to complement normal hand washing, sanitisers provide hand hygiene at the point where you need it most and without the need for water. We recommend the InstantFoam hand sanitiser range from Deb the world’s leading away from home skin care company. Click here for full details of this range. Why not place a personal hand sanitiser pack on every desk and encourage frequent use?

Hard surface cleaners

Maintaining good cleaning practices for all hard surfaces where there is hand contact, such as door handles, desktops, computer keyboards, and so on is vital for infection control. We stock many hard surface cleaners both general purpose and application specific. A full listing of these is presented in our hard surface cleaners section of the website. Please contact us if you require specific help or guidance.

Swine flu protection kit: quick guide

Want more information?

You can find out more about swine fever itself and the governmental responses worldwide on the World Health Organisation website.

For a comprehensive list of questions and answers regarding symptoms, what to do if you think one of your employees has swine flu and so on refer to the Health Protection Agency website.