[vc_row][vc_column width="1/1"][vc_single_image image="2726" img_link_target="_self" img_size="1100x512"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type="row" type="grid" text_align="left" padding_top="20" padding_bottom="30"][vc_column width="1/1"][ordered_list]According to the Center of Disease Control, 47 states reported widespread geographic influenza. This means that if you have not already caught the “bug”, it is time to use a little common sense and take all the precautions necessary to avoid catching or spreading colds or flus in the office.
No matter how busy you think you are, if you are sick, stay home. By coming to work sick, you are doing a disservice to yourself, to your place of employment and to your co-workers who may get sick because of you. Resting is the proven way to get better. When a person is sick, they are not as productive as when they are healthy. The key is to remain healthy. Spreading the germ throughout the office will also hurt your company in the long run. Efficiency levels will be reduced for longer periods of time if multiple people are sick.
Chewing pens may be a nervous habit or something that you picked up along the way. It is very unsanitary and I cannot imagine that pen caps taste good. The worst part is that your germs are on the cap and someone else might borrow that pen. In turn, they have potential to get sick because you have a disgusting habit. Pens do not belong in your mouth. Period!
One of my pet peeves is that when someone uses a tissue, they place it on their desk. I am sure that your employer wouldn’t mind if you threw away the tissue and used a new one. Could you imagine the amount of germs that are spread when you place the dirty tissue on the desk? Can you also imagine if you shared a desk with someone who puts their dirty tissues on the desk?
If you are covering your mouth when you sneeze, that is a good sign. The next think to do is to get up and immediately wash your hands. Using a sanitizer after you sneeze is not good enough. When washing, use soap and count to at least 30 to make sure the germs have dissipated.
It’s no secret that everyone hates a double dipper who dips their germy chip in the dip. Another way to avoid illness is that if sharing a bag of chips, pour the chips out. Sticking your hand in the bag causes the chips to be infested with germs. This goes the same with mints. Pour First!
The hug and kiss greeting may be a nice touch, but it is also very germy. If you are going to do the kiss, just make a sound as opposed to actually kissing this person. Can you imagine going to mixer and hugging and kissing 20 people? Imagine kissing someone who has just been kissed. You get the picture.
Fingers are so precious and dangerous when spreading germs. If possible, give dabs instead of handshakes. After all, we hardly touch our eyes and nose with our knuckles.
Once you have thoroughly cleaned your hands, do not touch the dirty doorknobs or handles. If possible, use a paper towel to open doors or touch toilet seats.
Sanitizer is the new trend. I do think that soap and water has been proven to do the trick. If you do use sanitizer, there’s no need to spend 20 minutes sanitizing your desk, phone and whatever else. Try to use it sparingly and effectively.
This is pretty simple. Multiple doctors will tell you that the pathway to illness is through your nose and mouth. Do everything you can to avoid touching your eyes and nose.[/ordered_list][/vc_column][/vc_row]
