Fall is the time of year when illness numbers start to rise. From the flu to covid-19 and even the common cold, people spend more time indoors during the fall which leads to higher rates of illness transmission. Keeping the workplace safe is essential to keeping workers in the office and maintaining productivity. If you aren’t sure where to start with workplace illness safety, here are some helpful tips!
Vaccinations
Vaccinations against the flu and covid-19 are an effective way to slow the spread of the viruses. Encourage employees to get their flu vaccine and covid-19 boosters this fall! If someone who has been vaccinated does become infected with the flu or covid-19, their symptoms will be milder with a quicker recovery time.
Vaccines are safe with minimal side effects for most patients. There are multiple versions of the flu vaccines available to accommodate allergies and health conditions. There is an approved flu vaccine for every age 6 months and older. Covid-19 vaccines may not be suitable for all patients, but your healthcare provider team can make that decision based on your current health status and health history.
Testing
Testing for the flu and covid-19 can help keep your workplace safe by getting sick people out of the workplace quicker. If an employee is feeling any symptoms, they should visit an urgent care center for same-day testing with rapid results. If they receive a positive result, you can adjust their working conditions accordingly.
Allowing employees to work from home, require masks, and social distancing more seriously are all ways you can adjust after a positive test result. Of course, an employee who is having severe symptoms should take time off work to rest.
Illness Prevention
Vaccines aren’t the only method of illness prevention you should be using in the workplace. Not every employee may want to receive a vaccine, so having backup prevention methods is always a good idea. You can prevent illness in the workplace by:
- Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces with a disinfectant
- Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizer use
- When washing hands, using an antibacterial soap and lather for at least 20 seconds
- Wearing masks when you’re in close quarters, such as a meeting room
- Stay home if you’re feeling sick
Contact a nearby urgent care center today to get more information on vaccines and testing for employees! Most urgent care centers do not require an appointment and offer flexible hours to accommodate working hours.
