Infectious Disease

How Germs Spread

Illnesses like the flu (influenza) and colds are caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. The flu and colds usually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby.Sometimes germs can also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs and desks.

How to stop the spread of germs at work

• Put up posters in the bathrooms and lunchrooms that explain proper handwashing technique.
• Encourage employees to stay at home when they are sick.
• Promote an active and stress-free work environment. Healthy employees are more likely to stay healthy during flu season and all year long

Some personal behaviours that can help iminimuze the spread

• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and so so every time you cough or sneeze.
• Clean your hands often. When available, wash your hands - with soap and water - then rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces. Wash for 15-20 seconds. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using a gel, rub the gel in your hands until they are dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in the gel kills germs that cause colds and the flu.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
• Clean desks, tables, phones and doorknobs on a regular basis with a disinfectant. Germs can live for a long time (some can live for 2 hours or more) on surfaces.
• Get an annual influenza shot.
• Stay home when you are sick and check with a health care provider when needed. When you are sick or have flu symptoms stay home, get plenty of rest and check with a health care provider as needed. Your employer may need a doctor's note for an excused absence. Keeping your distance from others may help protect them from getting sick.

More tips on how you can prevent the spread of infectious diseases