8 Ways to Prevent Getting Sick at Work

POPSUGAR Fitness

Source: 8 Ways to Prevent Getting Sick at Work

If you work in an office full of people, your chances of coming in contact with germs are that much higher. Arm yourself against colds, the flu, and stomach bugs with these essential tips.

  1. Wash hands often and keep hand sanitizer on your desk.

  2. Once a week disinfect the things you touch regularly including your keyboard, mouse, phone, pens, stapler, scissors, and even the outside of your reusable water bottle.

  3. Avoid touching doorknobs, handles on bathroom stalls and faucets, the water cooler, coffee maker, and other commonly used work items. If you can't help it, be sure to wash your hands afterward.



More from FitSugar: 5 Healthy Breaks to Take Every Workday


  1. Stay away from anyone at work who is sick. Try your best to avoid contact with anyone who's blowing their nose, sneezing, or complaining of sinus pain.

  2. Don't share your desk with anyone. If someone insists on checking their email at your computer or using your phone, disinfect what they've touched afterward.

  3. Don't touch your face. If you work at a computer, it's tempting to sit with your head resting in your palm or to rub your weary computer-screen eyes, but refrain from touching your face. As soon as germs make it from your hands to your mouth, nose, or eyes, you might as well call in sick tomorrow.

  4. Fuel up on healthy foods. You can't expect your body to fight the good fight if it's surviving on a sugary doughnut for a midmorning snack. Keep healthy snacks at work, or better yet, keep them at your desk so you can avoid going to the break room where there's prone to be more germs. Ensure your lunch is healthy (and save money) by bringing one from home. The more nutritious food you fill up with, the easier your body can defend itself against intruding viruses.

  5. Get out at least once a day to exercise. Working out regularly not only strengthens the immune system, but it also gives you a much-needed break from breathing in stale office air.

If you've done all you can but still the germs have won, here's how to tell when you should go to work and when you should call in sick.


Related Content:
7 Healthy Habits of Those Who Rarely Get Sick
5 Reasons You Need More Sleep
The Best and Worst Flu Season Remedies


Follow FitSugar on Twitter
Become a Fan of FitSugar on Facebook