Reduce Your Risks During the Flu Season

While the allergy season may have come and gone for the time being, the cold and flu season is quickly approaching. When winter comes, and we all spend more days cooped up indoors together, the opportunities for spreading our little bugs from one person to the next increase exponentially. You can almost hear it migrating from office to office. First comes the sniffing and a hacking cough, followed by the sneezes and the wheezes. You know you're susceptible, but you always figure it will miss you this year, and then...Wham!...your nose is congested, your throat is sore, your stomach is upset, and your temperature is slightly above normal. You've got the flu!

Well, if you want to improve your chances of staying away from the old flu virus this year, you might consider using a few precautionary measures around the workplace. Most of these are just reminders to you, however, because they are things that our mothers taught when we were back in grade school.

1. Wash your hands frequently. One of the easiest ways for the flu virus to spread is by contact, and since you handle the same ink pens and monthly reports that twelve others in the office do, you're bound to be sharing germs back and forth. You probably already wash your hands when you use the restrooms, but go the extra mile and scrub a couple more times during each work shift.

2. Avoid the doorknobs as much as possible. This may not be totally controllable, but if you are going through a push-open door, where you can open it with your elbow, your shoulder, or the back of your closed fist, this is far better than placing your open hand on the same spot that everyone else has. The flu bug has no better friend than a frequently used door handle.

3. Keep your phone clean. If you have your own phone (desk type, not a cellular phone), or one that you use on a frequent basis, wipe it down occasionally with a paper towel that has been moistened with a cleaning solution. This not only keeps you safe, but others who use the phone, as well. My standard answer to, "May I use your phone for a minute?" is "Sure. Just don't cough in it." Sounds rude, but most folks understand and comply. I wipe it down frequently, anyway.

4. Use throw-away coffee cups. You may prefer that special ceramic logo cup over Styrofoam, but unless you are diligent about washing it out with soap and water frequently, your chances of drinking a few flu germs with your coffee is always there. The truth be known, most of us just pour out the cold coffee we didn't drink yesterday afternoon, and refill with fresh coffee without even wiping down the mug.

5. Keep your hands away from your face. I'm not suggesting that, as adults, we are still doing nose-mining, but the tendency to have hands and fingers around those facial openings provide the old flu bug a prime opportunity to make an inside move.

6. Get a flu shot. I know that these are a pain in the arm to mess with, but they are usually pretty inexpensive, and can really help to build up your resistance.

7. Take vitamins and eat healthy. This is not only important during flu season, but it's a trick that should be used for all seasons. A multivitamin every morning is a good plan. Add Vitamin C with some fresh citrus fruit, and increase your intake of leafy green vegetables.

I suppose this sounds like we should all become compulsive about cleanliness, but avoiding the flu is certainly worthy of a few extra measures. Flu symptoms are not only uncomfortable and can seem to last forever, but in some situations they can actually be fatal. Fortunately, a little extra hygiene on our part during this portion of the year can help to ward off the flu before it gets a toe-hold on your system. Now...go wash your hands.