![]() |
![]() |
|
Symptoms of the Flu Virus!
Almost always:
Common:
Sometimes:
People who are generally healthy and develop these flu symptoms can get better at home. The worst of the infection will likely be over within one week. If you have flu-like symptoms and are otherwise healthy, stay home to avoid spreading the virus. Caring for someone who is sick Here are some ideas and suggestions to keep in mind when caring for someone who is sick. Most people who get sick with the flu virus can be cared for at home. Protect yourself and others Clean your hands with either soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after touching items that the sick person has touched (such as dishes, towels and clothes), before you eat and before and after touching your eyes, nose or mouth. If possible, have the sick person wear a mask to control the spread of virus filled droplets. This is especially important, when someone is within two metres or six feet of a sick person. If the sick person cannot wear a mask, encourage the use of a tissue when coughing and sneezing. Dispose of the tissue immediately. There is no evidence that wearing a mask will protect you from getting the flu. However, if you wear a mask, wash your hands before and after putting on, or taking off, the mask. Allow the sick person to rest (away from others) Get lots of rest, you will be contagious for about seven days from the onset of the symptoms - especially in the first few days. Clean items (such as phone, TV remote) the virus can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours. Treat the fever and cough Fever often comes with chills or aches and pains. Certain medications (such as acetaminophen, for example Tylenol, or ibuprofen, example Advil) may help to reduce these symptoms. Do not give children Aspirin. Give lots of fluids and nutritious food and ensure a smoke-free environment Warm drinks, such as tea with honey and lemon or chicken soup, can be very soothing for a sore throat. Keep the sick person's things separate Each sick person should have their own personal items (towel, face cloth, toothbrush etc.) Keep common surfaces (door knobs, light switches) clean and disinfected. Stay alert for complications Take the sick person's temperature daily to track any fever. Get Your Flu Shot! The flu shot helps strengthen your body's natural immune response against the flu. The shot stimulates your immune system to build antibodies against the virus, making it stronger and ready to fight off the flu. So this year, make sure you get your flu shot early. The sooner you get it, the earlier you're protected! It's easier than ever to get your flu shot! Both your local public health units and pharmacies are hosting flu clinics this year. Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries What Can Happen Wrist, elbow and shoulder tendonitis; shoulder bursitis; carpal tunnel syndrome; back and neck pain; other muscle, tendon and joint injuries Job Tasks Vary your activities to change your posture and the muscles you are using if your work requires: ✔ repetitive movements, such as keyboard work, chopping food, assembly work or using hand tools with frequent twisting or turning ✔ awkward postures (e.g., long reaches, overhead work, bending forward) for a long time ✔ sustained postures such as standing or sitting for a long time ✔ forceful muscle movements, such as loosening a tire nut or heavy lifting ✔ pressing against a hard surface, such as resting your wrists against a keyboard tray while keying Work Stations and Tools ✔ Adjust your workstation and seat to meet your needs ✔ Maintain a neutral, relaxed posture, and work in a comfortable position ✔ Use tools and equipment that reduce repetition, awkward or sustained postures, forceful muscle movements and pressing on hard surfaces ✔ Keep tools and equipment well maintained to reduce effort ✔ Keep frequently used tools, supplies and equipment within your natural arm's reach Safe Lifting ✔ Take a balanced stance - put your feet shoulderwidth apart ✔ Get close to the object and squat down to pick up the load ✔ Get a secure grip and carry the load close to your body ✔ Test the weight of the load before trying to lift it ✔ Lift the load gradually and smoothly, keeping your back and neck straight ✔ Turn your whole body when carrying a load, instead of twisting your back ✔ Follow these instructions in reverse when lowering a load And Remember ✔ Do not work until you become sore or tired - report any discomfort to your supervisor ✔ Do not rely on personal protective equipment such as back belts to reduce musculoskeletal injuries Did You Know? ✔ Your employer should ensure that you are trained to work in ways that reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries ✔ An ergonomist can help you set up your work area for maximum comfort and safety When Work Becomes a Pain in the Neck Office ergonomics is the science of adapting the work environment to the needs of employees in order to promote safety and to increase productivity. If you use a computer, you probably know that repetitive and prolonged use of a computer keyboard or mouse can lead to muscle aches and discomfort. Try to incorporate these suggestions into your work style to avoid problems.
Food Safety CLEAN: Wash hands and surfaces often to avoid the spread of bacteria.
SEPARATE: Keep raw foods separate from cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.
CHILL: Keep cold food cold. Letting food sit at unsafe temperatures puts you at risk for food borne illnesses.
Home Security Before leaving for vacation review the security of your home and make improvements to reduce its vulnerability to break-ins:
Health Admin. |
|
|
For more information, Call the office nearest you or e-mail us now! © 1999 Stivers Staffing Services, All Rights Reserved |