With cold and flu season looming, educators and facility managers are on high alert, preparing to fend off the wave of germs that sweeps schools and workplaces every winter.

This often means promoting vaccinations, handing out sanitizer, and urging anyone with symptoms to stay home. All good moves. But another essential step is using the right personal protective equipment (PPE). Options like gloves and masks can significantly reduce the spread of illness, helping keep everyone healthier.

Here are some key PPE items NorthStarlight recommends for this cold and flu season.

Masks: Your First Line of Defense

Since COVID-19, most people are familiar with the basic use of masks, but there are ways to make them even more effective this winter.

First, wear them strategically. No one enjoys wearing a mask all the time, and in many schools and workplaces, you don’t have to. It’s all about choosing the right moments. If you’re a teacher working closely with students or a facilities manager moving through shared spaces, it’s smart to keep a mask handy.

Second, choose one that fits snugly and offers multi-layer protection to block airborne particles. NorthStarlight’s medical-grade masks filter over 99% of bacteria and airborne particles, while still being lightweight and breathable.

Gloves: Reliable Protection for High-Contact Tasks

Gloves act as a barrier between germs and your hands, reducing the risk of contamination for everything from your face to the next surface you touch. There are two types of gloves that help prevent the spread of germs, each suited for different tasks:

Nitrile Exam Gloves: These premium medical-grade gloves are ideal for hands-on tasks like disinfecting classrooms, offices, and cafeterias. Stretchy yet durable and strong, they offer reliable protection in any setting.

Vinyl Gloves: Perfect for quick, low-risk tasks like taking out the trash or refilling sanitizing stations, vinyl gloves are affordable, offer reliable protection, and great for handing out to large groups. Whether you’re in a classroom or office, it’s smart to keep a box nearby.

Final Tips: Stock Up Early

Make sure your supply of gloves and masks is ready before the flu wave hits. Once cases start to spread, it’s tough to catch up and stay protected. Consider placing orders in bulk and distributing PPE at strategic locations throughout your school or facility—entryways, common areas, and staff rooms.

With the right equipment, educators and facility managers can take charge of cold and flu season, reducing the spread of illness and keeping their communities healthier. Visit NorthStarlight for all your PPE needs.