Can we avoid getting sick at the office? Let's talk about Cold & Flu

It's very common for people to get sick from each other when working under the same A/C in the office, at close desks, isn't it? Especially when someone sneezes or coughs, we get a little scared. Because we know that in a day or two, we are more likely to get that illness. Common cold and influenza that spread in the workplace are something that almost all of us have experienced. So today, let's talk about how to protect ourselves from these annoying illnesses in the office as much as possible.

Why is it so easy to get sick in the office?

Think about it, we spend most of our day in the same room, with many people. There are several reasons for this:

• Close contact: We work in close proximity to each other, which means that the virus in the droplets that come out when someone coughs or sneezes can easily be inhaled by others.
• Air Conditioning (A/C): In many offices, the A/C circulates the same air throughout the room, which makes it easy for viruses to spread throughout the air.
• Common devices: There are many things that we all use. Door handles, elevator buttons, water filter taps, microwave doors, phones, and computer keyboards that everyone uses can harbor viruses.
• Coming to work sick: Many people in our country struggle to come to work, thinking, "It's just a cold, I'm busy with work." But this only spreads their illness to ten to fifteen other people.

Let's also learn about the flu shot.

Every year, the flu virus (`Influenza virus`) spreads like a pandemic. The best way to protect yourself from this is to get the flu vaccine (`Influenza vaccine` or `Flu shot`). However, this cannot be said to be 100% effective. This is because the flu virus is constantly changing its nature. However, when you get the vaccine, even if you do get the flu, it will have fewer complications and you will recover faster. You can ask your family doctor for more information about this.

5 simple tips to stay safe from illness at the office

Okay, so let's see what simple things we can do to win the battle against this virus.

1. If you are sick, please stay home!

This is the most important thing. If you are having a hard time, think about others and stay home. Even if you think, “The work won’t get done without me,” the loss is even greater if half the office gets sick because of you. If you have any of the symptoms below, definitely take a day off and rest.

2. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Viruses are mostly spread through secretions like mucus and phlegm. If you have to cough or sneeze, don't put your hands to your face. That's because viruses can spread wherever you touch them.

3. Wash your hands with soap regularly.

This is a very simple, yet very powerful habit. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water several times a day for at least 15-20 seconds . Rub your hands together well, cleaning between your fingers and under your nails. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only when soap and water are not available. But remember, nothing is as effective as washing your hands with soap.

4. Stop touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

We touch our faces about a hundred times a day without realizing it. If you touch a surface that has been contaminated with viruses (e.g. a doorknob) and then rub your eyes, nose, or mouth with the same hand, you are essentially opening a door for the virus to enter your body. This is called the “T-zone” (forehead, nose, and chin). Make a habit of avoiding touching this area.

5. Keep your desk and common areas clean.

Clean your desk, computer keyboard, mouse, and phone regularly with a cloth soaked in disinfectant or disinfectant wipes. Also, it's a good habit to wash your hands after using things that everyone uses, such as the microwave and water filter.

When should I see a doctor?

A common cold can be cured at home in a few days. But if you have a fever, you need to be a little more careful. If you have the following symptoms, be sure to see your doctor :

• A high fever that doesn't go down for several days.
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
• Dizziness, fainting.
• Frequent vomiting .
• If the symptoms have subsided a bit, then they reappear with a fever and cough.

If we incorporate these simple habits into our lives, we can go a long way toward avoiding these office-borne illnesses. Staying healthy is a big help to you and to those you work with.

Cold, flu, workplace, office , virus, influenza, common cold , flu prevention , health, infections, infectious diseases