Preventing the Flu at Work Safety

Preventing the Flu at Work

One of the most common illnesses is the flu. You can catch the flu no matter what time of year it is or where you are located. While most strains of the flu virus are not deadly they can make you ill and are also spread easily through the air and physical contact. Preventing the flu at workwill help keep people healthy and productive. A few symptoms of most common flu viruses are runny nose, headache, fever, sore throat, earaches and nausea. They are generally nothing serious but can be very annoying and make you feel weak and tired.

7 Tips on Preventing the Flu

  1. If someone is already sick at work you should try to avoid close contact with that person. They are spreading the flu virus weather they realize it or not
  2. If you must shake hands with people while at work bring a small bottle of anti-bacterial hand disinfectant. It will help kill some of the germs on your hands
  3. Wash your hands frequently. By washing your hands with warm water and anti-bacterial soap you will help prevent the spread of flu germs to the rest of your body
  4. Never touch your nose, eyes, or mouth before cleaning your hands. The germs on your hands can enter the body through anyone of these spots. Once the virus has made it into the body it is almost impossible to avoid getting sick
  5. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. It will help prevent the spread of germs in the workplace
  6. Get vaccinated. Most of your local drugstores and clinics provide free or cheap flu vaccinations. While it is great to get a preventive shot the vaccination only protects against certain strains of the flu and you may come in contact with one that is not covered
  7. If you are feeling extremely ill call out of work. Never go into work if you are ill

These are simple and easy ways to prevent the flu at work.The flu virus affects over 20 percent of the population every year and is so severe in more than half those cases that it requires a trip to the doctor or a stay in the hospital. Preventing the flu at workwill also reduce the occurrences of other diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis.