Lessons From COVID-19 for Preventing Respiratory Infections at Work

In April 2023, Mumbai saw COVID-19 cases rising again, with the city's active caseload expected to pass 1,000, while the H3N2 influenza virus was also circulating. The surge was far smaller than earlier waves, but it was a clear reminder that respiratory infections do not simply go away. They return, often when people have stopped expecting them.

The pandemic years taught workplaces a great deal about stopping infections spreading. This article looks back at the advice given at the time, and at the lessons that still apply to any respiratory illness, from COVID-19 and influenza to the common cold.

The advice at the time

Health experts in 2023 summed up their guidance in a simple list: keep a mask handy, wash hands, stay informed but not alarmed, avoid crowds, follow COVID-appropriate behaviour, and do not take antibiotics without a prescription. Some versions also mentioned steam inhalation, which can ease a blocked nose but does not prevent infection.

Several of those points remain sound advice for any respiratory infection.

What still works

Masks in the right situations. A well-fitting mask reduces the spread of droplets from the wearer and offers some protection to the wearer. It makes most sense in crowded indoor spaces during an outbreak, when you have symptoms, or when you are caring for someone who is unwell.

Clean hands. Regular hand washing with soap and water, or using a hand sanitiser when water is not available, removes germs before they reach the eyes, nose or mouth.

Distance and fresh air. Avoiding crowded spaces and improving ventilation both lower the chance of breathing in someone else's germs.

Reliable information. Following official health advice, rather than rumours shared online, helps people act sensibly without panic.

No antibiotics without a doctor. COVID-19 and influenza are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work against viruses. Taking them unnecessarily does not help you recover, and it adds to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

A healthy body copes better

Good general health helps the body fight infection. Eating well, staying active, sleeping enough and managing stress all support the immune system. They are not a guarantee against illness, but they make a difference to how well people cope and recover.

Lessons for the workplace

The pandemic showed that infection control is part of workplace health and safety. Practical measures that work for any respiratory illness include:

• Stay home when unwell. Make it normal, and possible, for people with fever, cough or other symptoms to stay away or work from home. Presenteeism spreads illness.
• Make hand hygiene easy, with soap, water and sanitiser at entrances, canteens, washrooms and shared work areas.
• Improve ventilation in offices, meeting rooms, canteens and control rooms, by opening windows where possible and maintaining ventilation systems.
• Clean shared surfaces and equipment, such as door handles, keyboards, phones, tools and vehicle controls.
• Reduce crowding at shift changes, in canteens and in transport, by staggering times where you can.
• Keep masks available for people who develop symptoms at work, and for those caring for them.
• Plan ahead. Keep an outbreak plan ready, including who decides on extra measures and how staff will be kept informed.

If someone falls ill at work

• Move them away from others, ideally to a well-ventilated room, and offer them a mask.
• Arrange for them to go home safely, avoiding crowded public transport where possible.
• Clean the surfaces they have used.
• Advise them to see a doctor, especially if they have a high fever, feel very unwell or have a long-term condition.
• Call 112 if they have severe difficulty breathing, chest pain or confusion.

Keeping perspective

The message from 2023 still holds: be informed, not alarmed. Most respiratory infections are mild, but they can be serious for older people, people with long-term conditions and anyone with a weakened immune system. Simple, consistent habits protect everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

How Eduforce can help

Our Industrial Hygiene training covers the biological, chemical and physical exposures that affect health at work, and our Respiratory Protection training covers choosing, fitting and maintaining the right respiratory equipment. To arrange a session, write to info@eduforce.in or message us on WhatsApp at 8779291591.

This article is for general awareness and does not replace medical advice. Always follow current guidance from health authorities.