Staying Healthy at Work

Staying Healthy At Work

Common cold and flu viruses are easily spread from person to person through shared objects and environments, which is why you are more likely to catch an illness at work. Although it is not easy to avoid getting sick and/or getting your coworkers sick, there are some precautions you can take to reduce the likelihood of it happening. Here's what you can do:

Reduce your chances of getting sick

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Get alcohol-based hand sanitizer and keep it with you or at your desk.
  • Clean your hands after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, or touching commonly shared objects and surfaces.
  • Use throwaway hand wipes or gel sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol When soap and water aren’t easily available.
  • Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Disinfect your work surfaces by cleaning your desk, keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other frequently used objects.
  • Avoid having to use your coworkers’ offices, desks, and supplies when possible. If you must use them, you should disinfect them first.

Avoid The Flu

  • In addition to taking the steps above, you should get vaccinated!
  • Getting a flu shot every year is the most effective way to protect yourself from catching the flu.
  • The best time to get vaccinated is as soon as the vaccine is available or around the beginning of September.

Don't spread germs and share illnesses

  • You can be contagious for about a day before symptoms appear and up to 5 days afterward.
  • Wash your hands frequently and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes. Keep tissues at your desk so you can cough or sneeze into them.
  • Avoid touching shared objects as much as you possibly can.
  • Stay at home if you feel sick with flu-like symptoms like a fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, diarrhea, and vomiting.
  • If you have a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, stay at home until you're fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

If you're interested in getting the flu vaccine or learning more about ways to stay healthy, we highly encourage you to talk with your COPC physician!

Contact Your COPC Physician