The Wellness Guide to Fighting Office Illness

With the arrival of Autumn brings some of our favorite things: pumpkin spice flavored everything, apple picking, cozy sweaters, heavenly scented candles, and the beauty of the leaves changing colors. This time also brings something that is one of our least favorite things: the flu.

Whether you hear your coworker sneezing and coughing in the cubicle next to you or see that half of your department is out with the flu, you are exposed to germs around the office everyday. So much so, that it almost seems unavoidable, between eating in the break room together, touching the same coffee pot handle, and working in such confined spaces.

That is why you need to be armed and ready to fight off what tends to go around the office during this time of year when the weather changes.

To help combat the seasonal illnesses going around your office, we have come up with a quick wellness guide.

1. Knowledge – The first thing is to recognize the symptoms of the cold or flu and realize the simple things your office can do as a whole to prevent them. Encourage your human resource department to print out this HALO infographic and hang it around the office or even have them email the link to every employee. There are some scary, but useful information in infographics like this that your coworkers will appreciate. It also serves as a reminder for them to consider how their own health affects others in the office.

2. Flu shot – Getting an annual flu vaccine is a way to help protect you from getting the flu. If you have already received your shot this season, then hopefully it does the trick and reduces your risk of contracting the flu. If you have not, then maybe you should consider doing so.

3. Vitamin C – Many people are against getting the flu vaccine and would rather find more natural ways to keep them healthy. Cue Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which helps boost your immune system. Certain products such as Emergen-C, which is packet of powdered nutrients and vitamins you stir into your water and drink, are a popular immune system boosting method. Keep one or two of these in your desk drawer just in case you need it.

4. Essential Oils – People swear by essential oils and it is obvious as to why – they are a natural way to help cure nearly every ailment under the sun. Rocky Mountain Oils even makes an Immune Strength Essential Oil Blend to strengthen your immune system. Since the bottles of essential oils are small and portable, stock up and keep some in your desk or work bag.

5. Cleanliness – With all of the germs spreading around the office, it is important to keep your desk and space clean and sanitized to the best of your ability. That means wiping down your keyboard, computer mouse, and desk with sanitizing wipes a couple times a week (if not everyday). Also, be cautious of who you lend your pens to or share your workspace with.

Here are some additional quick tips on staying healthy during this cold and flu season:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Wash your hands often
• If you are feeling sick, stay home, rest, and recover
• Keep hydrated
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Keep hand sanitizer and hand sanitizer wipes handy
• Avoid sharing personal items, such as lip balms, spoons, etc.

What are some ways you are protecting yourself this cold and flu season in the office? Share with us in the comments below!