Tips for preventing the flu

Prevent flu at the office

Tips for preventing the flu

Flu and colds are more prevalent during the winter months. With these 12 office tips, you can prevent them. The chance of falling ill is reduced by ensuring a virus-free working environment.

Research has shown that 1 in 3 people do not wash their hands after going to the toilet. It also shows that the average transmission rate of the flu virus in the workplace is 16.2%. Of the office workers, 11% do not clean their keyboards. This infection rate can have serious consequences for a company. Not only does your company's productivity drop with many sick employees, but a high rate of sick leave also has financial consequences.

 

Resistance

Prevention is better than cure. The most important remedy for the flu and colds comes from within.

Vitamins
Sufficient vitamins contribute to good resistance. Vegetables and fruit contain a lot of vitamin C, which stimulates the production of white blood cells. These help fight a virus faster.

Drinking
Drinking a lot makes the body eliminate waste products more quickly. This gives the virus less time to settle in the body. Coffee and alcohol, on the other hand, draw moisture from the body. So it is better to avoid them.

Sleep
Research shows that people who get at least eight hours of sleep a night are less likely to fall ill than those who sleep less than seven hours a night. A good night's sleep reduces the chance of catching the flu.

Adequate exercise
Regular exercise boosts metabolism. This helps in the production of antibodies that fight viruses. In addition, you build up your condition, which promotes the recovery process, should you fall ill.

 

In the office

A hygienic working environment is at least as important to combat the flu and colds. Here are a few tips for a clean environment, both at home and in the office.

Washing hands
Especially while eating, and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, bacteria are spread more quickly. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Then dry them with a dry paper towel or kitchen roll to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria. This also applies to contact with the nose, mouth and eyes.

Paper handkerchiefs
Always use a new paper handkerchief when blowing your nose and throw it away afterwards. Re-use of a tissue will lead to recontamination of the hands again and again.

Warm clothes
Research shows that people are more susceptible to viruses when they are cold. This is because the body needs more energy to stay warm. You need this energy to fight off viruses.

Flu shot
For a number of risk groups, it is possible to get a flu shot. This medicine contains the antibodies that the body needs to fight the virus. Another advantage is that if you do fall ill, the flu will last less long and be less severe.

Ventilate
A closed room causes virus particles to accumulate. Therefore, if there is one, leave the ventilation grate open or open the windows regularly to ventilate.

Door handles
Door handles are a breeding ground for bacteria, just like remote controls and keyboards/mice, for example. Clean them regularly with warm water and all-purpose cleaner or use disinfectant wipes.

Eating at the desk
It is tempting to have a quick lunch at the desk. To gain a little time or to finish an assignment between meals. Unfortunately, it's better not to do this, as crumbs often stay behind and attach themselves to the mouse and keyboard.

Working externally
Many companies already take measures when employees are ill by teleworking. However, this is often only done in the case of contagious diseases, and it would be a good idea to include this where possible during a flu epidemic.

Sources used:
Hygiene in the office - the shocking truth