While the current Swine Flu scare has some people on edge, it has been a good reminder about basic health habits. There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
•Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
•Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
•If you get sick, stay home from work and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
As an empoyer, you should use a variety of resources to remind your workers of health and hygiene basics:
•Posters
•Bulletin board announcements
•Newsletters
•Safety meetings
•Illustrated article handouts
•Payroll inserts
Source: Safety Smart, May 4, 2009