Business Link

…in an office environment

While the world media is focusing on Swine/Mexican Flu, which may or may not hit the Eastern Cape, what is certain is that offices and factories throughout the province face the challenges of absenteeism and lowered productivity due to normal winter Flu.

The common name for influenza, Flu is caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory system. It spreads very easily through direct contact with objects recently touched by a sick person or through water vapour in the air when a person sneezes or coughs – in other words, in offices, lifts, restaurants, and factories where people are brought close together.

The saying “there is no cure for the common cold” also goes for flu, so it’s best to avoid getting it in the first place. Like the common cold, symptoms of flu can take between one week and three weeks to resolve.

Here are some ways to avoid getting the flu – and to keep your staff healthy:

Wash handsfrequently.
The flu virus spreads easily through direct contact, with telephones, keyboards and door handles all being sources of infection.

Put in place systems to make it possible for people to wash their hands regularly.
There are new “dry” disinfectants on the market which do not require running water or a basin.

Laugh
Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.

It also protects the heart from cardiovascular problems by improving the function of blood vessels and increasing blood flow.

Use tissues asbarriers.
Ensure that flu sufferers use tissues whenever they sneeze or cough. Coughing into a hand simply passes on the virus to others when the sufferer touches office items.

Avoid sharing direct-contact items.
Try to have individual cups, utensils and hand towels at the office.

Keep hydrated.
Water is one of the best “medicines” because it helps to keep your body functioning optimally and flushes out toxins from your system. Adults should drink at least 8 cups of water a day. Ensure that there is plenty of fresh water available in the workplace.

Encourage staff to keep fit.
Exercise increases your body’s resistance to flu and boosts the immune system. However, people who are already sick should avoid strenuous exercise until they have recovered.

Eat fruit and veg.
Your mum was right. Fresh fruit and vegetables contain all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to effectively fight colds and flu. They are also cheaper and more effective than medication and supplements!

Chill out.
Stress has been shown to increase your body’s susceptibility to infection.
Take 30 minutes a day to “chill out.” This means 30 minutes where you don’t think about work, the kids, dinner or meetings.