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#### Coughing Coworker? How to Keep From Getting Sick At Work

Individuals who spend several hours throughout the week at their workplace will undoubtedly come into contact with various types of germs and bacteria. People who are infected with a virus can easily transfer their germs to others and cause them to become sick too.

You can stay healthy while at work, and prevent germs and bacteria from making you sick by following the advice below.

Here are ways to stay healthy when your co-workers are sick.
1. Wash your hands frequently
2. Use hand sanitizer
3. Be cautious at the water fountain
4. Get vaccinated for flu and COVID

Wash Hands Frequently

When you touch objects that are laden with infectious germs and then inadvertently touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you’ll become infected with the illness.

It’s important to frequently wash your hands while at work and especially after touching objects that are often touched by others. Objects at the workplace that are full of germs and bacteria include:

- Elevator buttons
- Handrails
- Computer keyboards
- Telephones
- Door handles

When washing your hands, get them completely wet by holding them underneath warm, running water. Add soap and thoroughly work it into a lather over the front and back of your hands. Work the soap between your fingers and underneath your fingernails.

After rinsing all the soap off your hands, dry them with a clean towel or a hand dryer. By using this hand washing method, you’ll stay healthy by keeping germs off your hands.

Use Hand Sanitizing Liquid

If you need to wash your hands, but you’re away from a sink, use hand sanitizing liquid instead. Even though using this type of product isn’t as effective as using soap and water, it will kill many of the germs that are on your hands.

After applying the product to your hands, thoroughly rub it in and then let your hands air dry. This type of product is available in small travel-size bottles so you can conveniently keep one in your handbag, briefcase, or in your pocket.

Use Caution At The Water Fountain

If there’s a water fountain in the building at your workplace, use caution when getting a drink. Don’t touch your mouth to the spigot and let the water run for a few seconds before drinking.

The water in a fountain should arc fairly high, but the water flow in some fountains is barely past the top of the spigot. In this case, use a cup to catch the water and then drink from the cup.

Avoid touching the basin portion of the water fountain as it contains many germs. If you have to use your finger or hands to press the lever on the fountain, wash them or use hand sanitizing gel after getting a drink.

Get A Flu Vaccination

When a flu virus spreads in the workplace, anyone who isn’t vaccinated is a target. Each season flu vaccines change and they protect against the most common viruses that are prevalent during that time.

If you become ill with the flu, you may miss several days of work, have a doctor’s bill and you might pass it on to other family members. You can get a flu shot by visiting your family doctor, an area health clinic or an urgent care facility.

Consider also vaccinating for COVID-19. It may not only save your life, but it will also help protect your co-workers.

Catching a cold or the flu at work is very common, but by following the tips above, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting sick.

By SignatureCare ER | Dec 17th, 2017| Categories: Health & Wellness
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