Shortage Of Pandemic Protection Supplies
The swine flu pandemic has caused a shortage of pandemic protection products within the UK. CPD continue to work with a range of suppliers to try to keep supplies avaialable.
Suppliers are struggling to keep up with the demand for pandemic protection supplies, especially hand sanitiser gels.
The government's Catch It, Kill It, Bin It campaign and the Hull based Wash Your Hands campaign have created exceptional demand for personal hygiene products.
Workplace Pandemic Prevention
What You Can Do – NOW
The 4 steps that you can take, at home and at work to help prevent the spread of swine flu:
- Always carry tissues
- Use clean tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze
- Dispose of the tissues after one use
- Wash your hands with soap and hot water or a sanitizer gel often
What Is A Pandemic?
A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus spreads quickly around the world and few people, if any have resistance. Flu pandemics are believed to hit about two or three times each century. Some pandemics kill a few million people globally. The SymptomsThe most common symptoms are fever, sore throat, diarrhoea, headache, feeling generally unwell and a dry cough – in other words, symptoms very similar to seasonal influenza. Most people recover within a week, even without special treatment.
Refer to the NHS website for the most up to date advice.
How Do Flu Viruses Spread?
Flu is generally transmitted through the respiratory tract. Droplets of infected body fluids may carry flu when people cough or sneeze. Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze with a tissue will help prevent the transfer of viruses.
Protecting Yourself Against Viruses At Work
The workplace presents opportunities for you to come into contact with other people who may be affected by the virus. Encourage your colleagues to work together to make sure that the spread of germs is minimised.
Make Sure Your Business Has A Pandemic Prevention Plan
- Keep Your Workplace Clean - Encourage your cleaner to use anti-bacterial cleaning products. Advocate a clear desk policy at the end of the day so that desk are properly cleaned every night.
- Germ Proof Your Washrooms - Ensure that all washrooms are spotlessly clean, anti-bacterial soap is used and hand towels are disposed of promptly.
- Desktop Hygiene - If you eat at your desk make sure desks are cleaned before and after lunch with anti-bacterial wipes. Use a hand sanitiser to keep your hands clean throughout the day.
- Personal Hygiene - Ensure that everyone has access to disposable tissues and that their wastebin is emptied regularly.
- Keep Your Staff Informed – Put the government advice posters in a prominent place on your notice boards. Follow the most up to date advice on the websites below.
Useful Websites
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