5 Ways to Stay Healthy This Cold and Flu Season

Flu season is here, so it’s time to think about staying healthy and avoiding sickness at work. Here are some easy ways to protect yourself.

1. Avoid Crowded Areas Where Germs Spread

Knowing how germs spread can help you avoid getting sick. Common places where germs linger include doorknobs, break rooms, coffee stations, and other areas with lots of people. You may not be able to avoid these spots but try to spend less time in them and always wash your hands after touching shared surfaces.

2. Use Hand Sanitizer

Soap and water are best for cleaning your hands, but hand sanitizer works well too. Pick a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Use it before eating or touching your face, especially if you’ve been in shared areas. If your workplace doesn’t provide hand sanitizer, keep a small bottle on your desk.

3. Wipe Down Surfaces at Work

Office cleaning services may not clean every surface that lots of people touch. To help prevent the spread of germs, wipe down your desk, keyboard, phone, and other shared surfaces like doorknobs and elevator buttons with a sanitizing wipe.

4. Get a Flu Shot

Getting a flu shot can help keep you healthier. It may not prevent the flu entirely, but it can make the illness milder if you do catch it. A flu shot also helps protect the people around you, since fewer people with the flu means fewer germs spreading around the office.

Grady makes getting your flu shot easy. The cost is based on your insurance plan or $10 if you don’t have insurance. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the hospital or any of our neighborhood health centers. For more information, visit gradyhealth.org/flu.

5. Stay Home if You Feel Sick

If you’re coughing, sneezing, or feel unwell, it’s better to stay home or work from home if you can. This helps prevent spreading germs to your coworkers and gives you time to recover.

Get the Care You Need

Need a doctor? Grady Health can help. Call us at (404) 616-1000 to schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor at one of our nearby Primary Care Centers. Our doctors can help keep you healthy all year.