8 Easy Tips to Save Yourself from the Cold and Flu Bug in the Workplace
The cold and flu season is upon us! As we slowly enter winter season, our health suffers the most. It takes time for our bodies to adjust to the temperature imbalance.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), common cold and flu is the main cause of missed days at work. On average, adults tend to suffer almost 2 to 5 cold per year.
The cold weather calls for vigilance and prevention. Get your flu shots from the clinic so that you don’t miss work days.
Follow these tips to keep those pesky flu germs floating in the office away from you.
Disinfect and Sanitize
Keep a hand sanitizer bottle on your desk and in your bag at all times. Kill those flu germs by disinfecting your workstations and desktop.
While using shared books, keyboards, phones, coffee pots and elevator buttons, wash your hands and clean them using alcohol-gel sanitizers.
Keep disinfectant wipes on you and wipe down any door handles and desk knobs. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Keep Up With Personal Hygiene
Take a shower every day and wash your hand with soap and water for at least 15 to 20 seconds. Don’t put your hand and fingers on your face and avoid rubbing your nose. The germs on your hands can easily transfer bacteria and cause viral infections.
Wear a Surgical Mask
If you’re suffering from flu, to prevent it from spreading, cover your nose and mouth with a cotton surgical mask. Encourage other employees to cover their mouths and noses when they cough or sneeze.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of liquids and water. Keep your immune and digestive system healthy and hydrated with water for effective functioning.
Drink hot liquids and soups to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Avoid stress and smoking as they only aggravate the symptoms.
Eat Healthy
Boost your immune system with vitamin C. Maintain a healthy diet and include lots of oranges and lemons in your diet.
Drink herbal teas infused with ginger and honey to sooth an irritated throat. Eat your fill of green veggies and heat your food before eating it.
Take a Sick Leave
If you are sick or feel like you are coming down with the bug, stay at home. Ask your manager for a work-at-home allowance. You can still keep up with your work and not spread your germs at the office.
Keep Your Workplace Clean
The flu and cold bug is viral and spreads through air particles. If your office environment is not clean, it is likely that germs and bacteria will spread like wildfire.
It is necessary to keep office stations, floors, kitchen, bathrooms, ceilings and all furniture and equipment clean and tidy. Open office windows to let clean air in and disinfect the environment.
For a thorough and methodical cleaning, call a commercial cleaning company edmonton for office janitorial services. RTM Cleaning Solutions offers office cleaning services in various cities in Alberta including Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, St. Albert, Leduc, Nisku and Edmonton.