When People Sick At Work Get You Sick

How Not To Get Sick At Work

How many times has this happened at your place of work? You notice that one of your coworkers is sick. Maybe not terribly sick, but definitely sick with something.

Maybe it’s a cold, or maybe it’s something worse. The thing is, they’re at work potentially (highly likely) spreading their ‘sick’ to others instead of staying at home until they’re better.

Why do we see people who are sick at work?

One guess is that they are either saving their “sick time” for vacation days or they’ve used them all up already.

Another guess is that they feel the need to be there otherwise some project doesn’t get done or that the place won’t function without them…

Yet another reason might be they’re oblivious to the fact that they might be contagious while not feeling ‘sick enough’ to stay home.

 
Does any of this sound familiar?

Especially during the Fall and Winter months lots of people come down with the common cold, the flu, or other such nasties.

We’re all trapped indoors and when there are lots of people together the odds go up that someone is going to spread being sick to lots of others.

When I used to work in an environment with lots of other people, I would regularly notice other people at work who were sick. Sometimes it was very obvious from their constant coughing and sneezing.

It is also apparent that people are the most contagious during the upstart phase of getting sick and may not even be fully aware themselves yet.

 

How To Avoid Getting Sick At Work

Here are a few health tips which if followed will reduce your chances of getting sick at work.

Avoid Others Who Are Sick!

When I noticed anyone who was sick, I would avoid them like the plague! If I had to be in the same room I would position myself as far away as I could.

If someone who is sick coughs or sneezes then you’re at the mercy of distance from that person and the HVAC system’s air flow (hopefully it’s not going by your face!).

Don’t Touch Contaminated Surfaces

Another effective way to avoid getting sick at work from a coworker (or anyone that you notice) is to understand that their ‘sick germs’ might be present on the surfaces that they touch or cough or sneeze onto. This depends on what they have, but it’s best to assume the worst.

So avoid touching any surfaces which may be contaminated. That would especially include door handles.

Keep Your Hands Away From Your Face

You won’t get sick by just touching a contaminated surface from a sick person, but you probably will get sick if and when your hand subsequently touches your eyes, nose, or mouth. That’s how it gets in to your body. So don’t do it.

Wash Your Hands!

Often! Whenever you have come in contact with surfaces that may have been contaminated by a sick person, wash your hands. This is the most effective way other than complete avoidance. Won’t work though if you’ve already inhaled a ‘cloud’…

Hold Your Breath

Here’s another tip. If you happen to be near someone who is sick and they cough or sneeze, immediately hold your breath! As you’re holding your breath you might also walk away from the plume of invisible particulate. Then breathe. If you can’t walk away then at least casually hold your breath for a time allowing the ‘cloud’ to dissipate.

 

Hand Sanitizer

There is a very effective product that Mrs.J and I use after we’ve been in contact with public places (grocery store, etc.). We keep it in the vehicle and apply it to our hands when returning to the vehicle.

Awhile ago I had researched what would be the best and most effective antimicrobial hand sanitizer that would kill the most germs. My research led me to purchase Gold Bond Ultimate Hand Sanitizer.

We’ve been using it for several years with apparent success.

Gold Bond Ultimate Sanitizer and Moisturizer (Pack of 6)

One for your vehicle, one for your purse, one for work, one for at home, etc..

 
Since we’re entering the season of sick, I thought I would post on this topic for awareness. Best thing is avoidance. Next best thing is washing your hands. Use a sanitizer for temporary assurance.

Remember that you likely will not get a cold or the flu if you are a hermit. On the other hand most of us are around other people, some more than others, and that’s when you’re at risk. Just be aware if someone else looks sick, and avoid them!

Related article: Remedies For A Dry Cough

 
Your own experiences??