5 Ways to avoid the office flu
It's the start of January and whilst for many of us that means we're focused on being healthy, happy and organised, for some it's not as easy. Especially with the office cold going around.
It always starts with one person sneezing, then another coughing and before you know it the disease has spread like wildfire. People are blowing their noses into anything they can find and slowly losing their voices, and because germs spread easily it's safe to say that you're probably next.
Not to fear, we've got some great flu-dodging tips that should keep those pesky viruses at bay (though these might not work for that hangover you're nursing - that's all on you I'm afraid.)
1. Tea anyone?
It might shock you, but something as small as a cup of tea works wonders for keeping you happy and healthy throughout the cold and flu season. Disease loves a weak immune system, so adding some fun things into your morning cuppa can work wonders for making your immune system stronger. Try things like lemon and ginger to help break down phlegm and its antibacterial properties. If you're really feeling poorly try adding a tiny bit of turmeric to help boost the rewards. Camomile and honey also work great for a sort throat!
2. Sanitize = Sanity
We've all heard about how our keyboard and desks could harbour some pretty dangerous bacteria, so a little extra cleanliness probably wouldn't go amiss. Invest on some anti bacterial wipes and keep some hand sanitizing gel on you. You don't need to be wiping the phone every 5 minutes (or whenever a sick colleague uses it), but every now and again just to ensure everything's kept clean and germ free.
3. Sneeze considerately
Sometimes we can't help it. Once we feel that tickle at the back of our nose we have to just let it out, but there's always a way to do it properly. Don't go sneezing without covering yourself and giving your germs a first class ticket to inhibit any vulnerable person around you, sneeze considerately. Covering yourself with you hand is better, but still not ideal as you might not clean your hands after. The crook on your arm is the best place to sneeze, it'll keep you covered and limit spreading it around the office.
4. Don't be pen pals
It might sound silly, but think about it how many people have touched the pen you're holding right now? Pens have a way of disappearing (and reappearing!) at their own whim in an office, so who knows where it's been. Your best bet is to bring your own pen and keep it with you. That way you're not cross contaminating anything.
5. Eliminate it early
Sometimes you can do everything right, but the flu bug will somehow manage to seep its way into you. The best way to beat it is to start taking medicine the moment your head starts to hurt or you start feeling a little tired or sluggish. Keep an arson of lemsip, cough pastilles and flu tablets on your desk at all times to help out anyone else who's starting to feel a little under the weather.
