It’s an unfortunate truth that sickness can quickly spread anywhere children congregate en masse, and schools are no exception. Good hygiene practices start in the front office of any school to keep germs away and help students, staff, and visitors be healthy, safe, and productive.
How Bacterial Infections Spread
Bacterial infections are typically transmitted in the following ways:
- Direct Contact – When students or staff touch an infected person, such as through handshakes or hugs.
- Respiratory Droplets – Coughing or sneezing by an infected person releases tiny droplets into the air, which can be inhaled by others nearby.
- Poor Hand Hygiene – Not washing hands properly after using the restroom or before eating.
- Asymptomatic Carriers – People who carry bacteria but don’t show symptoms can unknowingly spread infections.
- Shared Items – Sharing personal items like utensils, water bottles, or school supplies.
- Fomite Transmission – When someone touches a contaminated surface and then their face or food, they can introduce the bacteria into their body.
Common Australian School Bacterial Outbreaks
- Strep Throat – Group A Streptococcus bacteria can cause strep throat, which is a common throat
infection among students. - Impetigo – Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria can lead to impetigo, a contagious skin infection that can spread through close contact.
- Conjunctivitis – Bacterial conjunctivitis can be easily spread through eye secretions and direct
contact with infected individuals. - Gastrointestinal Infections – Bacterial infections like Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli) can cause food poisoning or gastroenteritis.
Protecting the Office with Rapesco
The COS exclusive Rapesco Germ-Savvy range is guaranteed to have antibacterial properties for the entire lifetime of the product due to antibacterial materials in the outer shell. Rapesco Germ-Savvy products are certified to ISO 22196 standards and kill 99% of bacteria on contact.
The Rapesco Germ-Savvy range includes staplers, hole punches, clipboards/folders, writing pad folders, display books and more – everything a busy school office could want.
