Cold and Flu Prevention in the Workplace

It’s often said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that certainly holds true when it comes to colds and the flu. While there is no known cure for either, there is a lot
we can do to prevent getting sick, especially during the peak of cold and flu season.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Get a flu shot. Many employers offer flu shots onsite. If that is an option for you, take advantage! If not, flu vaccines are offered at most chain pharmacies and are often covered by insurance.
  • Wash your hands. This is the single most important thing you can do to stop the spread of viruses, since germs are commonly transmitted from hand to mouth. Wash your hands before eating, or use hand sanitizer if hand washing isn’t an option.
  • Avoid contact. If you do find yourself feeling sick, stay home from work. The CDC recommends that a person who catches the flu should stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone.
  • Keep surfaces clean. Whether or not your coworkers are sick, this is a good practice as a general rule. Keeping shared surfaces, such as doorknobs, phones, and keyboards, clean can prevent the spread of infection.

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