Meet Donna Mask, our newest flu fighting superhero

Flu season is here. This year, public health experts are warning that flu viruses and COVID-19 could both spread, making it more important than ever for workers to protect themselves and others.

Luckily, our new flu fighting superhero, Donna Mask, is here to help. 

As a new member of SAIF's flu-fighting team, Donna is consistent and determined in her fight to protect others from infectious diseases by donning her mask and keeping a safe physical distance from others in public places.

The flu and COVID-19 both spread in similar ways, including coughing, sneezing, and talking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says masks act as a barrier to reduce respiratory droplets that travel in the air from one person to another. So reducing the spread of one virus by wearing a mask could help reduce the spread of the other.

“Wearing a mask can help prevent a double whammy this flu season. This simple act will save hospitals from being overwhelmed by both flu and COVID-19 patients,” says Leigh Manning, senior safety management consultant for SAIF.

As we continue to deal with the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, taking steps to fight the flu can help reduce the burden on our health care systems and reserve medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients, according to the CDC.

Be a superhero in the fight against the flu this fall and winter by following these tips:

• Get your flu shot
• Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer when water and soap are not available 
• Stay home when you're feeling ill
• Wear a mask 

“We can all help prevent infections by following these steps set out by the flu fighter team,” Manning says.

For more information on helping to prevent the spread of infectious disease, visit SAIF's infectious disease resources.