Summer already feels like a distant memory, but many people will be glad to see the arrival of autumn. But the drop in temperatures also means that flu season is just around the corner. Every year, flu viruses spread through schools, workplaces, and communities, leaving many feeling under the weather. While vaccinations and good hygiene are key to prevention, have you ever considered how your choice of hand drying method could play a role in stopping the spread by ensuring efficient drying?
Flu season in the UK: Some quick facts
Flu season in the UK typically runs from October to March, with cases peaking in winter. Flu, caused by the influenza virus, can be serious, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions. Each year, millions of people in the UK experience flu like symptoms, with many requiring time off work or school. The best defence is getting vaccinated, but effective hygiene practices are also critical for keeping flu at bay.
Where is flu spread?
The flu virus spreads easily through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. These droplets can be inhaled by others or land on surfaces, where the virus can survive for hours. High traffic areas such as schools, offices, and public transport hubs are common places for flu to spread, as people are close together and often touch shared surfaces like door handles, desks, and taps.
Electric hand dryers play a crucial role in maintaining hygiene in high traffic areas like schools by efficiently drying hands and reducing waste.
Good hand hygiene is one of the best ways to limit the spread of flu. Regularly washing your hands with soap and water helps remove viruses that may be lingering on your skin. But what happens after you wash your hands? This is where drying methods can make a big difference.
The Importance of Hand Hygiene in Schools
Hand hygiene is crucial in schools to prevent the spread of illnesses and infections. Younger children are particularly susceptible to picking up germs and bacteria, which can easily spread to others. Effective hand hygiene practices, including the use of hand dryers, can significantly reduce the risk of absenteeism and promote a healthier learning environment. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections. By installing quality hand dryers in school washrooms, schools can encourage students to practice good hand hygiene and reduce the risk of illness.
What role do hand dryers play in preventing flu?
Hand dryers, especially high speed ones, can be an effective and convenient way to dry hands. After washing, thoroughly drying your hands is essential, as viruses and bacteria spread more easily on wet surfaces, including damp hands. Hand dryers can quickly remove moisture, leaving your hands dry and reducing the chances of spreading germs through touch.
However, the sensory impact of hot air from hand dryers can cause discomfort for certain individuals, particularly autistic children. Considering hand dryers with cold air settings (phs SMARTdri) can help mitigate this sensory overload while also offering energy efficiency benefits.
Something to keep in mind is that hand dryers themselves must be kept clean. In busy environments, hand dryers can circulate air that may contain particles, so regular maintenance and cleaning are important to ensure they remain hygienic.
Hand dryers versus paper towels
The debate between hand dryers and paper towels has been ongoing for years. We’ve even covered it ourselves! Hand dryers are more environmentally friendly and cost effective and can help maintain a clean washroom. They also eliminate the need for constant restocking and waste disposal, which is why they’re a popular choice in modern workplaces and schools.
Key Features of Effective Hand Dryers
When selecting hand dryers for schools, there are several key features to consider:
- High speed drying: Look for hand dryers that can dry hands quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and spread.
- Energy efficiency: Choose hand dryers that are energy efficient and have low running costs, reducing the school’s carbon footprint and energy bills.
- Quiet operation: Consider hand dryers that are designed to be quiet, reducing noise levels in school washrooms and minimising distractions.
- HEPA filters: Look for hand dryers that come equipped with HEPA filters, which can capture 99.99% of unwanted airborne particles and reduce the spread of germs.
- Durability: Choose hand dryers that are built to last, with robust materials and vandal resistant designs.
By focusing on these features, schools can ensure they are investing in hand dryers that not only promote good hygiene but also offer long term benefits in terms of energy efficiency and durability.
Top tips for preventing flu in your school or workplace
Flu can spread easily, but there are things you can do to help prevent the spread of flu, including:
Quiet hand dryers tailored for primary schools are essential to accommodate the sensitive hearing of younger children and ensure durability against accidental vandalism.
Promote handwashing
Encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. Signage can come in handy here to remind people about effective hand hygiene practices. Place it near sinks and hand dryers to encourage good habits.
Provide drying options
Make sure there are clean and efficient hand drying methods available, whether it’s well maintained quiet hand dryers or an adequate supply of paper towels.
Clean communal surfaces
Ensure to regularly disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched. This includes door handles, light switches, and keyboards.
Encourage vaccination
Remind staff to get their flu jab to reduce the overall spread within your organisation.
Remind people to stay home
Encourage anyone showing flu symptoms to stay home and rest, reducing the risk of spreading the virus to others. This is especially important in schools, and guidance should be provided to parents to make sure children are kept home if they’re unwell.
Maintenance and Upkeep of Hand Dryers
Regular maintenance and upkeep of hand dryers are essential to ensure they continue to function effectively and efficiently. Here are some tips for maintaining hand dryers in schools:
- Regular cleaning: Clean hand dryers regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and germs.
- Filter replacement: Replace HEPA filters regularly to ensure they continue to capture airborne particles effectively.
- Check for damage: Regularly inspect hand dryers for damage or wear and tear, and replace them as needed.
- Energy monitoring: Monitor energy usage and adjust settings to optimise energy efficiency.
- Maintenance schedules: Establish a regular maintenance schedule to ensure hand dryers are serviced and maintained regularly.
By following these tips, schools can ensure their hand dryers continue to function effectively and efficiently, promoting good hand hygiene and reducing the risk of illness.
Get ahead of flu season with the right hand dryers for schools and offices
Investing in an efficient, high speed school hand dryer can be a proactive measure in keeping your school or workplace safe this flu season. By ensuring quick and thorough hand drying, you reduce the chances of spreading flu through touch. phs Warner Howard sells a range of hand dryers for schools and offices that provide fast drying times, while helping to keep your toilets and washrooms clean. All our dryers are easy to maintain, energy efficient, and designed to minimise air contamination. This small step can contribute to a healthier environment and play a big part in preventing the spread of flu in your workplace.
High speed hand dryers from phs Warner Howard
Whether you’re looking for the best school hand dryers or an energy efficient solution for your office, phs Warner Howard is here to help. From our bestselling Airforce range to the reliable SM48 v2, we’ve got a suitable hand dryer for your needs. Contact us today for more information or to place an order.
With flu season on its way, taking simple steps like promoting good hand hygiene and offering clean drying methods can go a long way in keeping your school or workplace healthy and flu free.
