RESPIRATORY ILLNESS AND PANDEMIC AWARENESS

What Is a Respiratory Disease?

» Respiratory disease refers to any medical condition that affects the airways and lungs.

» A respiratory disease might affect any of the structures that are used to breath such as the nasal cavities, throat, windpipe, bronchi, and bronchioles.

» Respiratory disease covers a variety of conditions, including common conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, infections such as pneumonia and flu.

How To Reduce the Spread of Infection

» Most respiratory illnesses are spready by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

» Reducing the risk of spreading a respiratory illness by taking some simple but effect steps.

» Washing your hands often with warm water and soap for twenty seconds. Alternatively wash your hands whilst humming “Happy Birthday” from beginning to end twice.

» If you need to sneeze of cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.

» Remember to bin any used tissues as quickly as possible.

» If you’re starting to feel unwell or show symptoms of respiratory illness, consider limiting your interactions with others.

» Finally, use alcohol hand gel to help kill bacteria on your hands when necessary.

Manager Checklist

Managers should:

» Monitor health risks to employees

» Identify vulnerable employees and or customers

» Ensure local and government guidance is adhered to

» Have sufficient supply of PPE and other products to deal with increased demand

» Ensure robust cleaning programme in place for high traffic/touch points

» Provide regular updates in the event of a local outbreak

» Communicate with colleagues regarding any change to operational controls

This will allow managers to control any germs spreading and control any outbreaks.

Employee Checklist

Employees should:

» Limit contact with others or remain away from work if feeling unwell

» Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

» Dispose of tissues safely » Wash hands regularly » Wear PPE when required

» Use anti-bacterial hand sanitizer

» Follow local rules and government guidelines

This will help prevent the spread of germs.

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