An influenza pandemic is a global outbreak of a new influenza A virus that is very different from current and recently circulating human seasonal influenza A viruses. Influenza A viruses are constantly changing, making it possible on very rare occasions for non-human influenza viruses to change in such a way that they can infect people easily and spread efficiently from person to person.
Did you know that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes a weekly influenza surveillance report?
Close monitoring of influenza viruses is required to better assess the potential impact on public health—2018 and 2019 influenza activity increased in the United States. Check out the CDC’s report for the week to educate yourself fully.
Here are tips for avoiding the flu:
- Get the influenza vaccine every year. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease, even into January and beyond.
- If you’re healthy, an N95 respirator face mask may prevent you from breathing in particles that contain a virus. And if you’re sick, a face mask may help prevent you from spreading the infection to others.
- Clean your hands often and for at least 20 seconds. Use soap that lathers, as that is how it traps germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a good substitute for hand-washing when soap and water are not available.
- Avoid preparing food, touching your eye, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Depending on the environment you’re working in, use the proper gloves. Vinyl gloves are a good option for food service professionals, whereas nitrile gloves are one of the best options for surgeons and medical professionals.
Use the tips and product recommendations listed above to provide your workers with the knowledge they need to stay healthy this flu season and beyond. If you’re still unsure of the best safety products your team will need, our safety experts are here to help. Give us a call at 844-877-1700, or check out our catalog for an in-depth look at the wide variety of masks, gloves, and soaps we offer.
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