It's that time of year again. The air is crisp. Foliage is at its peak. Jackets come out of storage.
And it seems that everyone in the office has the sniffles.
Every employee is exposed to a host of germs each day, but temporary and contract workers who move from location to location can be especially vulnerable.
When it comes to protecting yourself against cold and flu viruses, the best defense is a good offense.
Don't Touch That!
Germs -- which can survive for up to 18 hours on hard surfaces -- love workplaces because they are great incubators. There is a lack of fresh air, and lots of people touch the same spots over and over again. In fact, despite conventional wisdom, it's not your co-worker who coughs without covering his mouth that spreads the most germs, it's the touching of those common surfaces that rapidly spreads colds and flu viruses.
You've probably heard the rather gross statistic that toilet seats have fewer germs than the average desk. The explanation, while unpleasant, is entirely logical: in the average company, toilet seats are sanitized on a daily basis.
But when was the last time you took a disinfectant to your desk or work station? The truth is, most workplaces are rife with "hot zones" where germs can thrive, because they aren't cleaned or sanitized regularly.
If you want to avoid colds and flu, target these common work surfaces with the highest concentration of germs:
Kick Germs to the Curb
Unfortunately, it's impossible to avoid germs altogether. But you can reduce their spread by washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the bathroom door to avoid recontamination.
Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer at your desk and use it after you touch one of the "hot zones." The average person touches their face 16 times an hour, which increases the chances you will introduce germs into your system. Using hand sanitizer will reduce your exposure.
As a contractor or temporary employee, you will likely be stationed at someone else's desk or a shared space. Pack disinfectant wipes in your bag on the first day and wipe down all of your surfaces. At the end of each day, give those surfaces another pass with the wipes.
Be Kind to Your Body
Healthy people get sick less often than those who don't take good care of themselves. Don't skip meals, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise at least three times a week, and get a good night's sleep. Drink plenty of water and make time each evening to relax and de-stress. When you treat your body well, your immune system will be better prepared to fend off an attack.
Get Your Flu Shot
According to the Mayo Clinic, a flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the spread of influenza. You need to get one each year, because flu viruses mutate rapidly. It is true that a flu shot will not protect you completely from the flu, but if you should contract the virus, your symptoms will be far less severe.
Flu shots are extremely affordable, and if your staffing agency offers a healthcare plan, some or all of the cost should be covered. It only takes a few minutes, and you don't have to go to your doctor to get one. Drug stores, pharmacies and community clinics all offer walk-in flu shot services so you don't have to take time off work to protect yourself.
If you want to remain healthy and productive this flu season, take precautions to reduce your exposure to germs. While you can't eliminate your exposure to germs, with the right offense in place, you can develop a strong defense against the cold and flu.
Live Better: Kick Cold & Flu to the Curb
