Cinergy Health knows how awful the flu can be. Not only do you feel bad, sneezing coughing, fever, body aches and other unpleasant symptoms. Not to mention lost productivity at work. It is worthwhile to try to not only avoid catching the flu from someone else, but if you think you might be “coming down with something” when you are still at the office, there are steps you can take to avoid infecting your co-workers.

An easy and significant place to begin is in the washroom. A simple thing like washing after using the restroom, after coughing and after sneezing can reduce the chances of spreading your germs. To avoid getting infected, be sure to wash your hands before eating.

According to Margaret Lewin, Medical Director of Cinergy Health,

“Influenza virus particles are carried up to six feet in the mucous drops produced by sneezing and coughing. If the ill person coughs into his hand, that hand will transfer infectious viral particles to any object touched such as doorknobs, banisters and elevator buttons. Another person touching that surface and then touching his face will transfer viral particles to his respiratory tract. If the ill person coughs into his sleeve or a tissue, which is immediately thrown away, few of these particles reach other people.”

Follow these guidelines recommended by Margaret Lewin to avoid spreading or catching the flu at work.

1.    If you know you are sick, stay home from work.
2.    Rest and eat a balanced diet to keep you immune system healthy to help fight illness the natural way.
3.    Cover your mouth with tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue away after use.
4.    If there is no tissue available, cough into elbow, not hands.
5.    Sanitize hands with alcohol or chlorine based wipes.
6.    Minimize face-to-face contact with co-workers. Use interoffice email or telephone conferences.
7.    Avoid touching eyes, mouth or nose to prevent exposure to viruses.
8.    Get vaccinated against the flu.
9.    Keep the distances between co-workers to at least 3 feet, but more than 6 feet are preferable.
10.    Get clarity on the office policy towards sick leave to make sure you do not get penalized for staying home until you have recovered from the flu. Preventing co-workers from getting ill helps prevent loss of productivity at the office, which is in everyone’s best interest.