Now that flu season is in full swing, it’s important to take measures to avoid getting sick, especially if you work in an office all day.
We asked five experts to share tips on how to prevent getting the flu at work.
Wash your hands
It might sound like a broken record at this point, but it’s important to wash your hands frequently. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds to get rid of viruses,” says Dr. Edo Paz, the founder of Heartbeat Health, Inc. “Don’t forget to lather up the back of your hands, between the fingers, and under your nails.”
Keep tissues at your desk
“Always keep tissues and non-toxic cleaning supplies on or in your desk,” says Dr. Frank Lipman from Eleven Eleven Wellness Center. “A clean workspace ensures the office environment is free of harmful bugs. Be mindful of what you touch in the office and during your commute. If you touch the bathroom door handle or shake a colleagues hand, for example, wash your hands before touching anything else.”
Use disinfectant wipes
Clean and disinfect your desk and commonly-touched surfaces. “Elevator buttons, desks, coffee and kitchen areas, doorknobs, and conference room phone systems are covered with bacteria and other infectious particles that can be cleaned with disinfectant wipes,” says Paz.
Pack a healthy lunch
Diet is important when it comes to keeping your immune system strong. “Pack lunches that contain nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens and probiotic-rich foods, such as fermented vegetables and kimchi,” says Lipman. “Garlic contains antiviral and antibiotic properties that work as an immunity booster, so try and incorporate garlic as much as you can into your work lunches.”
Be careful around communal food
If there’s a work celebration in the office, whether it’s as simple as bringing cupcakes for a co-workers birthday or you’re enjoying a company-wide lunch, make sure to wash your own hands and encourage this practice among co-workers. “You could get creative here to keep hygiene at the forefront of people’s minds,” says Paz. “Put out some hand sanitizers all over the office.” We especially encourage placing those sanitizers in the kitchen and other common eating areas.
Need help upping your nutrition this season? Here are 20 foods that aren’t as healthy as you’d think.
xx, The FabFitFun Team