Winter Hygiene: Preventing the Spread of Cold and Flu in Your Facility

As winter approaches, so does the season of colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. For businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and other organizations, maintaining a clean and healthy environment is crucial to prevent the spread of these illnesses. Not only does this protect the well-being of employees, visitors, and students, but it also ensures productivity and operational continuity.

In this article, we’ll explore practical strategies for winter hygiene and how to minimize the spread of cold and flu in your facility. By implementing these measures, you can create a safer, healthier environment for everyone. We’ll also highlight how Golden Group International’s hygiene products can support your efforts to maintain a clean and safe facility.

Why Winter Hygiene Matters

Winter is the peak season for cold and flu viruses, and several factors contribute to this:

Colder temperatures: Viruses survive longer in cold, dry air.

Indoor crowding: People spend more time indoors, increasing close contact and the risk of transmission.

Weakened immune systems: Reduced sunlight and vitamin D levels can weaken immunity, making people more susceptible to infections.

Facilities like offices, schools, and healthcare centres are particularly vulnerable because they host large groups of people in confined spaces. An outbreak of cold or flu can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and even temporary closures.

Implementing effective hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk of outbreaks and keep your facility running smoothly.

Key Strategies for Preventing the Spread of Cold and Flu

1. Promote Hand Hygiene

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Studies have shown that proper hand hygiene can reduce the risk of respiratory infections by up to 20%. Encourage everyone in your facility to:

•    Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
•    Use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are unavailable.
•    Avoid touching their face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Actionable Tip: Place hand sanitizer stations at entrances, exits, and high-traffic areas. Display posters reminding people of proper handwashing techniques.

Golden Group International offers high-quality hand sanitizers and antibacterial soaps that are effective against a wide range of germs. Their products are designed for high-traffic facilities, ensuring long-lasting protection. 

•    GS5 – GS5 is a “concentrate.”  Use on any surface for bacterial inhibition up to 90 days. This formula is for use in all commercial applications. Commercial sizes available. EPA Registered 85556-1. Great for use with laundry as well! 

•    GS75 – Water-based, ready-to-use, liquid spray, antimicrobial agent effective against microbes on virtually any surface and most textiles. EPA Registered - 85556-2

•    GS24 – Hand Sanitizer
Goldshield GS24 - Goldshield24 is FDA approved and proven to kill up to 99.99% of germs and common bacteria on the hands and to inhibit re-growth for hours following application. GS24 is a gentle, soothing, white foam that is earth- friendly, safe for kids, and has a shelf life of over 3 years. 

It‘s very economical to use because protection from a single application lasts for hours, significantly longer than alcohol which loses all effectiveness seconds after drying. 

2. Enhance Cleaning and Disinfection

Regular cleaning and disinfection of high-touch surfaces can reduce the spread of viruses. Focus on areas that are frequently touched by multiple people, such as:

•    Doorknobs, light switches, and handrails.
•    Elevator buttons, keyboards, and shared equipment.
•    Restrooms, break rooms, and dining areas.

Actionable Tip: Use EPA-approved disinfectants and establish a cleaning schedule that targets high-touch areas multiple times a day. Consider hiring professional cleaning services for a thorough deep clean during peak flu season.

Golden Group International provides industrial-grade disinfectants and cleaning solutions that are effective against viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Their products are ideal for maintaining a hygienic environment in large facilities. Goldshield products: GS75 and GS5 (see above).

3. Improve Ventilation and Air Quality

Proper ventilation helps dilute and remove airborne viruses, reducing the risk of transmission. Consider the following steps:

•    Increase the intake of outdoor air through HVAC systems.
•    Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to capture airborne particles.
•    Open windows when possible to improve airflow.

Actionable Tip: Schedule regular maintenance for HVAC systems to ensure they are functioning efficiently. Replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Encourage Respiratory Etiquette

Teach and remind individuals to practice good respiratory hygiene to prevent the spread of germs:

•    Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, not hands.
•    Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash hands afterward.

Actionable Tip: Provide masks and tissues in common areas for easy access. Display signs reminding people to cover their coughs and sneezes.

Take a look at Bowman Brand "Cover Your Cough Compliance Kit" 

5. Implement Sick Policies

Encourage employees, students, or visitors to stay home if they feel unwell. This simple step can prevent the spread of illness throughout your facility. Consider:

•    Offering flexible sick leave policies to reduce the pressure to come to work while sick.
•    Promoting remote work or virtual learning options for those with mild symptoms.
•    Educating staff and visitors about the importance of staying home when sick. 

Actionable Tip: Display clear guidelines about sick policies in visible areas and communicate them regularly through emails, meetings, or newsletters.

6. Educate and Communicate

A well-informed community is more likely to follow hygiene practices. Use multiple channels to share information about winter hygiene:

•    Emails, newsletters, and posters to share hygiene tips.
•    Workshops or webinars to educate staff and visitors about winter health risks.
•    Clear signage to remind people of hygiene protocols.

Actionable Tip: Create a winter hygiene campaign with catchy slogans like “Stay Healthy This Winter.” Use visuals and infographics to make the information more engaging.

The Benefits of Winter Hygiene

By prioritizing winter hygiene, your facility can:

•    Reduce absenteeism: Fewer sick days mean higher productivity and continuity.
•    Protect vulnerable individuals: Prevent the spread of illness to those at higher risk, such as the elderly or immunocompromised.

•    Build trust and confidence: Show employees, students, and visitors that their health and safety are a top priority.

Golden Group International: Your Partner in Winter Hygiene

At Golden Group International, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment, especially during the winter months. Our range of hygiene products and industrial solutions is designed to help facilities like yours prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses. From hand sanitizers and disinfectants, we provide the tools you need to create a safer space for everyone.

This winter, don’t let cold and flu outbreaks disrupt your facility’s operations. Partner with Golden Group International to implement effective hygiene practices and protect your community. Visit www.goldengroupinternational.com to explore our range of hygiene products and industrial solutions. Let us help you create a healthier, safer environment this winter and beyond.