Flu Season Etiquette Tips to Keep You Healthy
February 16, 2015
Achoo! The familiar sound of flu season! The flu is spreading like wildfire through offices, schools, and entire communities this time of year. Whether you’re the one who’s sick or the one trying to remain healthy (while working in close proximity to those who are not), being considerate of others is key to reducing the chances of sharing the flu bug.
If you are sick:
- Stay home! If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, recommends the CDC. Besides the fact that you’re minimizing the spread of germs, you’re getting the rest you need to get rid of the flu bug.
- If you must venture out of the house, refrain from shaking hands with anyone. If someone offers his or her hand, simply say, “I’m sorry, I’m not feeling 100 percent today. I don’t want to get you sick.”
- Avoid sharing confined spaces with fellow employees, if there is a flu outbreak at your office. If you must have that meeting, suggest conducting it via the web instead of a small (confined) conference room.
- If you have to sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. Dispose of the tissue and wash (or sanitize) your hands immediately. Handkerchiefs arenot sanitary, especially if you use them and then put them back into your purse or pocket for re-use later. If a tissue is not available, sneeze into your elbow rather than your bare hands.
- Avoid using your colleague’s computer, mouse, phone, pens or anything else that they would handle with their own hands.
- It’s more important than ever to wash your hands often. Scrub your hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
If you are well, but work in close proximity to someone who is sick:
- Germs can easily enter your system through your eyes, mouth and nose—any time of year, so it’s important to keep your hands away from your face. This can be a tough habit to break, but if you can train yourself to not touch anything above your neck, you will minimize your risk of getting sick.
- This goes without saying, but whenever you’re in a public place, make it a habit to wash your hands, often. Proper hand washing is the best way to reduce the spread of germs.
- Keep sanitizers handy – and use them. Wiping down the office hotspots – such as your keyboard, desktop and doorknobs –will kill those germs that are just waiting for you. Keep a spray bottle at your desk and a packet of wipes with you at all times.
- Wash your coffee cup with hot, soapy water. A quick rinse isn’t going to remove any contamination from germs floating around your office.
- Use disposable as opposed shared eating utensils, dishes and linens in the office kitchen. You never know quite how clean those re-used items are.
- Keep your distance! Limit your interactions with a coworker who comes to the office sick. A person who has the flu can pass it on to you as far as six feet away.
What additional tips do you suggest?
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