Flu Advice
Advice to prevent the spread of flu
Flu is spread via multiple routes including droplets and direct and indirect contact with contaminated surfaces.
Minimise transmission from potentially contaminated surfaces
Environmental hygiene
The flu virus is easily killed by commonly available cleaning products and detergents.
Freshly prepared detergent and water should be used for all surface cleaning.
Rooms, surfaces and reception areas should be cleaned and the areas thoroughly dried. Damp rather than dry dusting should be performed. Hands should be washed after all cleaning procedures. Hands must still be washed even if gloves are used.
Rubbish bags: If you have to collect or move open bags from litter bins there is no need to take any extra precautions. The risk of infection by contact with tissues or contaminated material is very low, but it is recommended that gloves are used if handling soiled tissues. If gloves are not available, hands should be cleaned promptly after doing this. Gloves do not replace the need for frequent hand washing.
Additional Generic Advice on preventing transmission
Hand hygiene
Hands can be cleaned by washing with soap and water (followed by drying) or using alcohol hand-rubs. If hands are visibly dirty, soap and water should be used. Alcohol hand-rubs are good alternatives if water is not available and hands are not visibly dirty.
Hands must be cleaned
- when arriving at and leaving the workplace
- when arriving at home from work or outside activities
- before and after direct contact with contaminated surfaces
- after contact with body secretions
- after removing protective work clothing and gloves
- after handling soiled items
- before handling food
- before eating
- before smoking
- before touching your mouth, nose or eyes
Personal Hygiene
Everyone can play their part in helping to reduce the spread of flu. There are two key things to remember:
- Maintain good hygiene practice
- Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing and/or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue promptly and then wash your hands.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing and using tissues. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose unless you have recently cleaned your hands.
- Use normal household detergent and water to clean surfaces frequently touched by hands.
- Before you leave work, wash your hands. Wash them again soon after you arrive home.
- An alcohol hand rub, which kills the flu virus within 30 seconds, could be used as an alternative for cleaning hands when hands are not visibly soiled.
- Stay at home
- If you have flu symptoms do not go into work; call your manager.
- If you become ill at work, inform your manager and go home.
- If your children show flu symptoms, keep them at home.
The risk of becoming infected is effectively reduced by following strict hygiene measures.
You may also be interested in...
Page & Site Tools
Contact information
For further information about this page please contact:
Strategy & Customer Services, Communications & Marketing
Greenfield House, Tullibody Road, Alloa, FK10 2AD
Tel: 01259 450000 Fax: 01259 452117
Email: clacksweb@clacks.gov.uk
Or use the on-line contact form
