Influenza Control Tips

Influenza is one area of concern for infection control. Schools, hospitals, work places and in the home all are places where infection control procedures should be in place to protect individuals there. There are simple actions that can be taken to ensure that all is being done to stop the spread of influenza.

One procedure that is relatively easy to put into place in all of these locations is to instruct both adults and children on the proper way to wash hands as well as to list the times when washing hands is necessary.

Hand washing procedure

Use warm water and soap when hands are soiled.

Use alcohol-based hand rubs when soap and water are not available.

Wash hands before eating and when hands are soiled.

Wash hands in warm water and soap for 15 - 20 seconds. Teach kids to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice to be sure they are washing long enough.

Use disinfectants that are labeled to use in prevention of bacteria and viruses that is Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered household disinfectant. Follow label instructions carefully. If EPA registered disinfectants are not available than it is best to use chlorine bleach (1/4 cup) in a gallon of cool water. Always keep any kind of disinfectant or bleach out of the reach of children.

Remind adults and children frequently about the importance of covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing. If adults wipe kids noses or mouths they need to wash their hands afterwards. Make sure tissues are available to use and that soiled ones are disposed of properly in waste containers and that individuals wash hands as soon as possible after sneezing or coughing.

Be diligeant about watching children for signs of illness. Make sure parents keep sick kids and home and stay home themselves when they are sick. Workers should be encouraged to stay home from work when they are ill so as not to spread germs.

The local health department should be notified when incidences of respiratory illness are increased over usual number of cases. Schools and public facilities should keep track of this information.

Schools and childcare facilities should make use of resources to learn about current information regarding strains of influenza and how best to prevent the spread of influenza.

Resources:

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is a wealth of information and you can find plenty of articles and other sources on their Website by going to:

www.cdc.gov/flu/school or by downloading a poster for school that show the message: "Be a Germstopper". This message is on a poster that students and school staff and read to help them remember what should be done to help stop the spread of influenza. The poster, "Be a Germstopper." can be found at:

www.cdc.gov/germstopper.

There is also information available for childcare facilities at local and state health departments. Look in your local phone book for the contact information to these agencies.

There is a free educational program called "IT's a Snap" which is about hand washing and can be used by schools by going to:

www.itsasnap.org/index.asp

The Center for Health and Health in Schools has information available at:

www.healthinschools.org/sh/influenza.asp

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