Ah, flu season. Why are you a thing?
I suppose it comes with the territory of being Canadian; as children strap on hockey skates and parents pull on their warmest toques, so shall the influenza virus make its way through schools, businesses and homes alike. It’s clockwork, it takes no prisoners, and it really, really has poor timing – striking when you’re mostly likely to least expect it.
(Well hello there, co-workers! Stock photos like this exist for a reason!)
Yes, flu season is here, and there IS such a thing called Sick-Etiquette. Simply stated, it’s a collection of unspoken rules that you should abide by during cold and flu season, and I’m happy to share them with you today!
1. If you’re Canadian and you know it, wash your hands! It’s one of the easiest ways to stop the spread of the cold and flu viruses. And when flu prevention experts advise you do wash your hands, they don’t mean a drizzle of water and quick swish of soap, either. Use warm water, create a good lather, and just to be on the safe side, sing the alphabet song in your head. Only then can you effectively sanitize your hands and keep germs at bay.
2. You are replaceable. Everyone is replaceable. Coming to work when you’re sick is not going to change that. In fact, I’m fairly certain that your employer would prefer that you stay home and recuperate rather than infecting half the workforce with your H1N1-type germage. And if you do work for a boss who’s laying on the guilt for missing work? My advice is to spend 30 minutes in a closed-door office with them upon your return.
3. Sneeze and sleeve rhyme, sort of, for a reason. Viruses are most frequently transmitted (up to six feet!) via droplets in the air, especially after a person sneezes. Cover it up! Sneeze in your sleeve – or better yet, in a tissue, and dispose of the tissue immediately. The holiday season is all about sharing with others, but trust me, keep those germs to yo’self!
4. Disinfect your surroundings. At the office, this includes, but is not limited to, your hands, desk area, door knobs, light switches and of course, your phone and keyboard. At home, think about highly trafficked items such as remote controls, bathroom fixtures and dining surfaces.
5. Get the flu shot! Of course you should get the flu shot! Getting the flu shot is your best defense against the flu, and this year it’s more convenient than ever – simply pop in to your participating neighbourhood Shoppers Drug Mart. Remember, since the virus that causes the flu changes from year to year, the flu vaccine you received last year may not protect you this year. Flu vaccinations will be offered at Shoppers Drug Mart stores in the fall and will be administered to people aged 5 and above (9 and above in Alberta and Saskatchewan; 7 and above in Manitoba). Click here for more information.
Tell me, do you have anything to add to my list of Sick-Etiquette? Do tell!
Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. During cold and flu season I go no where without my hand sanitizer and I use it.
I have the flu shot. I take wipes everywhere. I wipe the handles on the shopping carts. Some stores do provide wipes as you go in the door.
I try to avoid touching my face altogether when I’m sick,unless I have to blow my nose
It is simple really, yet for some reason we all need reminding don’t we?! Thanks for the sicketiquettes !!!!
I have the flu shot,eat healthy get plenty of rest,exercise and keep hands away from eyes,nose,ears..
We have the flu shot every year, wash hands, eat well, drink lots of water and get lots of sleep.
Done the flu shot, taking extra vitamins, stocked up on hand sanitizer and hoping sick people stay away!
always always sneeze or cough into your clothes not hands. I always sneeze or cough even yawn into my top
I like using hand sanitizer and washing my hands especially after a trip to the hospital. If people are sick I respect them not being able to make it over.
Good hand hygiene is key! I work in hospital.. and trust me; so many people are very poor with THEIRS, so yours being spot on is so important.
Washing your hands is extremely important, same with making sure all contact points in the house (door knobs, light switches, remote buttons) are all sanitized. A clean home is a healthy home
I keep Zinc on hand, if I feel anything coming on I start eating that .. cuts my colds in 1/2
DON’T YOU WISH THIS WAS COMMON KNOWLEDGE?!
okay I’ll stop yelling now…
when someone is sick we sanitize everything including light switches, door handles, the remotes, etc.
I try to wash my hands as often as I can especially using doorknobs
so important given how many people get sick around this time of year
Make sure you get plenty of rest during flu season!
I really wish everyone would follow these rules! There’s nothing worse than being trapped at work in a small space with someone who is sick!
These are great rules to follow all year
I hate how some people still cough or sneeze into their hands and then even worse they don’t wash or disinfect their hands. GROSS !!!
Thanks these are all great tips,this is the first winter i can ever remember that we went all winter without anyone being sick.