Avoiding The Flu At Work

Avoiding The Flu At Work

Winter is here and that means the flu virus is primed to make its dreaded return. This year more than 1.5 million Australians will miss work because of cold and flu. So how can we get ahead in our fight against the flu?

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5 Tips To Avoid Flu At Work

1) Prevention is the best cure: Eat a healthy, balanced diet containing plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit, lean protein and healthy fats. Also include iron, zinc and vitamins A, C, E, B6 and B12 to give your immune system a boost.

2) Get the jab: The common flu shot, offered by your GP and some workplaces, can reduce your risk of developing the flu by 70-90%, depending on the strain.

3) Catch those ZZZs: Studies have shown that adequate sleep can reduce your risk of developing the flu. One 2009 study found that volunteers who regularly got less than seven hours of sleep were nearly three times more likely to come down with the cold than those who slept eight hours or more each night.

4) Sharing is not caring: If a well-meaning colleague comes to the once with cold and flu symptoms, it’s ok to keep your distance. Sneezing and coughing sends contaminated droplets into the air, allowing the easy transmission of flu strains around the workplace.

5) Give yourself a hand: Keep your workstation sanitised and practice great hand hygiene, especially after touching communal items such as doorknobs, kitchen appliances, handrails and water-fountains.

As Australia’s leading workplace relations specialist, Employsure can help you if you have any questions relating to workplace health and safety or employer obligations. Call us today on 1300 651 415 to speak with a specialist.