How to Fend Off the Flu at Work

It’s National Preparedness Month and we want you to be prepared for the upcoming flu season (October through May) and know about how to fend off the flu. Influenza, or the flu, affects 5 to 20 percent of the U.S population each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Out of those affected, tens of thousands are hospitalized and thousands die from flu-related illnesses. Furthermore, the direct medical expenses cost an estimated $10 billion a year. An additional $16 billion worth of earnings is lost annually.

Considering these facts, we should all be very careful to not contract the flu virus. During the flu season, the workplace is a common area where you can get the flu. Yet, you can fend off the flu at work by following proper prevention measures. Here are essential tips to fend off the flu for both employers and employees.

Tips to Fend off the Flu (For Employers)

• Get an annual flu vaccination and encourage workers to do the same. To minimize the number of sick days employees take, provide onsite seasonal flu vaccination to employees at a low or no cost. To accomplish this more easily, have an onsite occupational health clinic. If you don’t have one, contact a pharmacy and community vaccinator to provide seasonal flu vaccination services on-site.
• Hire a professional company to sanitize the workplace.
• Instruct workers on proper handwashing, cough etiquette, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
• Ensure there are plenty of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes in the offices.
• Advise workers to not use one another’s work tools, desks, phones or computers.
• Have fewer group meetings and communicate more via email or phone calls. When you must have meetings, make sure the meeting areas are properly aired. Also, workers should stay at least six feet away from one another.
• Limit the number of people that visit the workplace during the flu season.

Tips to Fend off the Flu (For Employees)

• Get vaccinated for influenza each year. Encourage coworkers and family to get vaccinated as well.
• Learn what measures will be taken if an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs. Check if flu vaccinations are offered on-site.
• Avoid physical contact, such as shaking hands, with people who are sick. Wash your hands after physical contact with others. Use a hand sanitizer if you don’t have access to soap and water.
• If you wear gloves, wash your hands after removing them.
• Don’t touch your nose, mouth, and eyes.
• If you start feeling sick while at work, go home immediately. Don’t go to work if you have the flu.
• Exercise cough etiquette: cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If tissues are not available, use your upper sleeve. Dispose of tissues in no-touch trash receptacles.
• If you use equipment, clean and disinfect them regularly. Take care of and replace personal protective equipment (PPE) often.
• Keep at least a six-foot distance between coworkers and customers. Avoid using coworkers’ phones, desks, offices or work tools, and routinely clean the surfaces and objects you frequently touch.

Call PuroClean of Coral Gables to sanitize your property and stop the spread of influenza. We provide an unmatched service experience quickly and professionally, cleaning surface areas in order to protect you and those around you from this dangerous virus. (+1 305 894-4343)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I fend off the flu at work effectively?
To fend off the flu at work, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and maintain a clean workspace. Using hand sanitizer and disinfecting shared surfaces can reduce your risk of infection.

2. Does getting the flu vaccine help fend off the flu at work?
Yes. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to fend off the flu at work. It helps your immune system recognize and fight the virus, reducing the likelihood of getting sick and spreading it to coworkers.

3. Can proper nutrition help fend off the flu?
Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports your immune system. To fend off the flu at work, include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and stay hydrated throughout the day.

4. How does personal hygiene help fend off the flu at work?
Good hygiene is essential to fend off the flu at work. Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, dispose of tissues properly, and avoid close contact with colleagues who are sick.

5. Should I stay home if I feel sick to fend off the flu?
Yes. Staying home when you are unwell is a key step to fend off the flu at work. It prevents the virus from spreading and allows you to recover faster, protecting both yourself and coworkers.

6. Can workplace habits help fend off the flu?
Yes. Encourage regular cleaning of shared spaces, maintain social distancing during flu season, and avoid sharing utensils or drinks. These practices help fend off the flu and maintain a healthier office environment.

7. How can stress management help fend off the flu?
Chronic stress weakens your immune system, making it harder to fend off the flu at work. Practice stress-relief techniques like deep breathing, short walks, or mindfulness to stay healthy during flu season.