Stop Spreading The Germs

Taken from: www.themuse.com

It’s that time again. You’re sitting at your desk, when a sneeze gusts over from the cubicle to your right. You notice a gentle hum of sniffles hanging in the office air. The undetectable cloud of germs is surely encircling you now as the hopelessness of flu season sets in. But just because your officemates are dropping like flies doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. We’ve got six helpful tips for warding off a cold or flu (and six that’ll help you get better if you do get sick).

​1. Keep Your Distance

Sounds pretty basic, right? Stay away from sick people. Before paranoia sets in and you stop shaking everyone’s hands, though, keep in mind that a recent study revealed that those “silent spreaders,” or infected people who are not yet showing symptoms, are unlikely to make you sick. It’s the co-workers who are already coughing and sneezing that you’ll want to avoid.

​2. Get a Flu Shot

This is a no-brainer. Flu shots have been known to help prevent not only influenza, but other illnesses as well. And not only are they becoming available at more and more locations (and even workplaces), your options are growing as well. If you typically avoid needles at all costs, try a nasal spray vaccine or the intradermal flu vaccine—administered with a needle that is 90% smaller than the one used for the traditional flu shot.

3. Avoid the Hot Spots

Consider the heavily touched items in your office: fax machines, coffee pots, elevator buttons. Many bacteria and viruses can live on surfaces for hours—if not longer—so try to avoid contact with these hot spots. Grab the coffee pot with a tissue or hit the elevator button with your elbow. And if that’s not possible (or you just don’t want to make a scene while waiting on the 11th floor with your boss), just avoid touching your face afterward and wash your hands as soon as possible.

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