Multiple studies have confirmed that it is much easier to get sick during the winter months. That’s because you’re typically around people more due to holidays and traveling. However, the viruses are also more stable in the winter, which makes them easier to catch. But how can you avoid winter sickness this year?
Wash Your Hands
It seems obvious, but the easiest way to avoid getting sick is washing hands as frequently as possible. Post signs in your office bathrooms on proper hand washing techniques so employees can be reminded each time they use the bathroom. They should wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds. They may also want to use hand sanitizer and rub it over their hands until it’s dry as well.
Even if they haven’t used the restroom, employees should still wash their hands after coughing or sneezing and before touching food.
Get Your Updated Shots
The last thing many people want to hear now is more vaccines. However, it’s scientifically proven that updated vaccines effectively reduce infection and hospitalization from flu and COVID.
There are annual flu shots that are always available, and it’s important to get the latest vaccine to combat that year’s flu season. You should also be vaccinated against COVID-19, and make sure that you have all of the necessary boosters. While this may not completely prevent you from getting the disease, it can help to minimize your symptoms if you do catch it.
If you’re a business owner and you are worried about an outbreak at work that could limit output, you might want to consider giving employees a day off so that they can get all of their updated shots. You could also contact local doctors to see if bringing professionals into the office for a day to administer the shots would be a good idea.
Wear a Mask
Again, this isn’t the most popular opinion these days, but wearing a mask during the holiday season, especially if going to work or other public places, will help keep you from getting sick. Masks can help decrease the transmission of respiratory viruses by reducing the chances that you breathe them in. They are also beneficial to co-workers and those around you by acting as a barrier for coughs or sneezes if you do find yourself sick.
Your mask should be well-fitting and multi-layered to mitigate as much risk as possible. As an employer, you may be able to reduce a breakout among your team by making these types of masks available to your employees.
Discover More About How to Avoid Winter Sickness This Holiday Season
These are only a few ways to avoid winter sickness this holiday season, but there are many other things that employers can do to help their employees.
One thing can be making sure they have all of the necessary health insurance benefits to get their annual checkups and receive the care that they need.
If you aren’t sure if your employees have the right health benefits, check out our website so that we can help!