Winter’s here, which means cold and flu season is upon us! Offices and classrooms can quickly become germ playgrounds, increasing the risk of illness. Did you know cold and flu viruses can survive on surfaces for 48 hours? Source: CDC. That’s why keeping work and learning spaces stocked with preventive supplies and fostering good hygiene habits is essential. Let’s help keep everyone healthier and more productive with these winter wellness essentials for workplaces and classrooms.
Top Essentials to Keep Your Office and Classroom Healthy This Cold and Flu Season.
- Facial Tissues
One of the easiest ways to curb the spread of germs is by using tissues with antiviral properties. Research shows that 3-ply antiviral tissues, with a treated middle layer, can kill cold and flu viruses within 15 minutes. Source: Kleenex. Stock these in desks, classrooms, and communal areas to provide quick access and encourage their use.
- Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizer is highly effective at reducing germ spread when soap and water aren’t available. The CDC recommends hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol for optimal effectiveness (CDC). Placing dispensers in high-traffic areas like entrances, breakrooms, and classrooms can help make it easier for everyone to clean their hands frequently.
- Disinfecting Sprays and Wipes
Regularly disinfecting shared surfaces can drastically reduce the spread of illness. Disinfecting sprays and wipes, particularly those containing quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and viruses, kill time ranging from 2 to 10 minutes to effectively kill 99.9%, and are generally safe for us on various surfaces, and suitable for classroom and office environments. Source: EPA. Place them in offices, classrooms, and common areas to encourage everyone to clean surfaces regularly.
- Face Masks
According to the CDC, wearing face masks can prevent the spread of respiratory droplets, which helps reduce the transmission of flu viruses, especially in enclosed spaces (CDC). Providing masks for employees or students who may be unwell or in close contact with others is a simple but effective way to protect everyone’s health.
- Thermometers
A digital thermometer enables quick temperature checks, which can help detect symptoms early. Fever is often one of the first signs of flu, so providing thermometers in both offices and schools can help monitor health and encourage those with symptoms to take the necessary precautions.
- Cough Drops
Sore throats and coughs can be particularly uncomfortable, but cough drops with soothing ingredients like honey or menthol can provide relief. Though regulations vary, keeping cough drops accessible with proper permissions can offer quick comfort in classrooms and workplaces (Healthline).
- Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can relieve symptoms such as headaches or body aches associated with colds and flu. However, employers and schools should check local regulations about dispensing these medications, as permission is often required (OSHA).
- Hot Tea and Honey
A cup of hot tea with honey is comforting and can help relieve sore throats and congestion (Harvard Health). Setting up a small tea station in breakrooms or teachers’ lounges with options like green tea, chamomile, and honey can make a big difference for those feeling under the weather.
- Hydration Supplies
Staying hydrated is critical for supporting immune function. A selection of hydrating options, like water, electrolyte drinks, and even hydration tablets, can encourage everyone to drink more fluids and stay resilient against seasonal bugs (Mayo Clinic).
- Air Purifiers
Improving indoor air quality can help reduce airborne germs, making air purifiers valuable to communal spaces. HEPA filters are particularly effective at capturing bacteria and viruses from the air (EPA). Placing purifiers in classrooms or shared offices can create a healthier environment.
- Wellness Kits
Assemble wellness kits for employees and students with essentials like tissues, hand sanitizer, cough drops, and informational pamphlets on healthy habits. Wellness kits are a proactive way to support health and show you care about everyone’s well-being during the flu season (NIOSH).
Including these essentials in your office or classroom can help create a space prioritizing health and well-being during the cold and flu season. Implementing these small but impactful measures goes a long way in keeping your team or students healthier, happier, and more productive throughout the winter months. — Encourage everyone to participate in these efforts, and let’s make this season healthier!
