由 home-healthhaven 
Every year, it’s the same story. As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, cold and flu season kicks in. You start hearing the occasional cough and sniffle on Monday. By Wednesday, a few colleagues are calling in sick, and by Friday, the office looks like a ghost town.
But don’t worry! There are some simple tips to help you avoid getting sick:
1) **Wash Your Hands**
This might sound obvious, but I’m talking about washing your hands all the time, not just before eating or after using the restroom. We touch our faces almost every three minutes, giving germs plenty of opportunities to spread. Use a good antibacterial soap and make sure you scrub the backs of your hands and between your fingers.
2) **Eat Well**
While there’s no magic food to keep you from getting sick, a healthy diet can boost your immune system. Vitamin C and garlic can help fight off colds, and it’s important to drink plenty of fluids.
3) **Disinfect Everything**
If you can’t wash your hands constantly, use antibacterial hand gel often. If you share items with colleagues, give them a quick clean before using them. Flu viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. Pay special attention to door handles and elevator buttons, as they’re common germ hotspots.
4) **Use the First Toilet**
Studies show that most people avoid the first stall in a bathroom, preferring the middle ones. Take advantage of this and use the first stall, which generally has fewer germs.
5) **Avoid Close Contact**
Try to keep your distance to avoid catching anything from others. This might mean going for a walk instead of eating lunch with colleagues or putting your office romance on hold for a few days. When the cold and flu season is at its peak, it can be helpful to stay behind your office partitions for a while. Also, skip handshakes when you can – your body will thank you!
So those are my top tips for staying healthy. Do you have any of your own? We’d love to hear them!