Avoiding getting sick at work isn't easy when so many viruses cause the common cold. Colds are the biggest reason why adults miss work. Trying to not catch a cold is tough when you're surrounded by germy colleagues and work spaces. Although it's impossible to stay away from germs altogether, there are steps you can take to avoid getting sick at work.
Wash Your Hands
Cold prevention starts with frequent hand washing. A slew of germs lurk on elevator buttons, doorknobs, and even the microwave door in your office lunchroom. By washing your hands often with soap and water, you can avoid spreading illnesses to others and also protect yourself from germs that cause the common cold. The most important times to wash your hands are before and after you eat; after you use the restroom; and after you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose. And when you wash your hands, do so for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid Touching Your Face
Germs that cause the flu and the common cold spread mainly through droplets that form when people talk, cough, or sneeze. The droplets can get in your mouth or nose, or you could breathe them into your lungs. They can also sit on your skin or objects and surfaces near you. Complicating matters, flu viruses can survive on surfaces for up to eight hours while cold viruses can live on your skin for about three hours. If you touch something that's contaminated and then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose, you can get sick.
Keep Your Distance
You don't have to touch or be in close contact with someone who has a cold or the flu to get sick. People with the flu can spread their illness to others up to six feet away. If you notice a co-worker is coughing, sneezing, or sniffling, keep your distance. If someone you work with is sick, you could also encourage that person to stay home to prevent spreading the illness to others. People who are sick should remain home until they're fever-free for at least 24 hours.
Keep Tissues and Sanitizer Handy
At work it might be easier to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol. Although they don't remove all types of germs, these gels and wipes can instantly lower the number of germs on your hands. It's also important to contain germs by covering your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough and immediately throwing it away. By keeping tissues and sanitizer handy, you're subtly encouraging your co-workers to do the same.
Practice Less Sharing, More Cleaning
Some things you should simply avoid sharing with co-workers, such as your phone, computer and food. All frequently touched surfaces at work should be disinfected to prevent the spread of germs. Disinfect your phone, keyboard, mouse, and any other commonly used objects often.