PJP On The Move!

The past few days, we at PJP have seen a increased frenzy when it comes to Swine Flu prevention. From vendors and manufacturers, to customers looking for guidance on what is fact and what will work.

When it comes to prevention it is as simple as following your basic hygiene and cleaning guidelines. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) have put out some very basic guidelines that are easy to follow when it comes to preventing the spread of Swine Flu, but more importantly, these are the same guidelines that people should be following year round to reduce the spread of any type of illness or germs.

1. Avoid contact with sick people or those that don’t look well.
If you are sick, stay home. If you see someone that is sick, don’t touch them or shake their hand. It really doesn’ t get any simpler than that. If you stay away from those that are sick, and allow them to get better, you won’t get sick. A very simple practice that makes stops the spread of germs between those that are sick and those that are not. 

2. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly with Soap and Water.
Routine hand washing with soap and water is the most basic element when it comes to preventing the spread of illnesses. In commercial facilities or office buildings, make sure that your restrooms soap dispensers are working properly and are full. If they are not working, or want something more efficient consider a touchless soap dispenser such as TFX of CXi from GOJO. These two soap dispensing systems are extremely efficient and reduce cost per use. The soap is also a good quality soap, and they a variety of different types including regular, antibacterial, and green seal certified hand soaps.

3. Use a alcohol based hand sanitizer such as Purell.
If you dont’ have access to soap and water routinely to wash your hands, you can use an alcohol based hand sanitizer to kill germs and sanitize your hands. Using a hand sanitizer before or after shaking hands, or touching items that could be contaminated with germs can help prevent you or others from spreading germs. Public spaces, should make hand sanitizer available in high traffic areas, such as entry ways, lobbies, restrooms, lunch and break rooms, office supply stations, waiter or waitress stations. There are a variety of different ways to make hand sanitizer available, it can be used effectively dispensed and used in gel, foam, or wipe forms.

4. Clean your work area, home and those areas that can be contaminated with germs.
Frequently cleaning spaces that can be contaminated with germs will reduce the chances of you or someone you know becoming in contact with germs or other illnesses. Wiping down door handles, phones, keyboards, mouses, restrooms, and other high traffic and frequently touched items  with a “Quat” based cleaner can reduce the spread of germs. Quat Based Disinfectant Cleaners are effective enough to kill germs but  not strong enough to harm material and surfaces.

When it comes down to preventing illness it really comes down to two main principles, follow basic hand hygiene and clean your environment. By following these two main principles you, your family, and your co-workers can reduce your chances of becoming ill from “Swine Flu” or any other sicknesses.