Flu is highly contagious and is droplet spread so if a sick person sneezes and coughs in a small office area, the flu virus has the potential to spread very quickly and exponentially across the entire work force.
Interestingly, it is believed that an employee can transmit the flu virus one day before they become aware of any significant flu symptoms so this can make it inevitable that you will be exposed to the virus. In most cases though it is the employees that insist on dragging themselves to work, when already running a fever, that pass the flu virus on to colleagues, especially when central heating is in place.
One defence against flu in the workplace is an annual flu vaccination at least two weeks before the cold weather sets in. This may be a solution to keeping the flu virus under control in close quarter working conditions and ensure minimal staff absentee levels.
Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water is of the greatest importance though for prevention of illness. If you can avoid hand shaking, do so.
There should be arrangements at work to frequently clean and disinfect common work areas, furniture or equipment such as conference tables, door knobs, copiers and telephones. Remember that germs can remain active for a long time on such objects. Hygiene in communal areas is critical.
Should you become ill with flu, stay at home and rest! You will get well far quicker and be much more popular at work if you do. Also keep in mind that some medications used to alleviate flu symptoms can cause drowsiness, and you should not be operating machinery or driving a car while this medication is still in your system. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.
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