Do your best to avoid the flu this season by following these tips from President Obama’s family physician, Dr. David Scheiner, in this article from HR Communication.
1. Get a flu shot: Scheiner acknowledges that the flu shot is not 100 percent effective, but it protects about 70 percent of people who receive one. If you do get the flu, it will be milder.
2. Avoid crowds: Being surrounded by people in large crowds increases your likeliness of coming in contact with the flu virus.
3. Wash your hands: Frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and always carry hand sanitizer with you.
“One study said the average desk harbors 400 times more germs than a toilet seat.”
4. Limit physical contact: Although it may be challenging, avoid touching your spouse, children or co-worker who is infected with the flu virus.
5. Reconsider visiting the doctor: If you aren’t sure that you have the flu, call your doctor before visiting the office where you risk coming in contact with more germs.
If you still get the flu after following these tips, Scheiner recommends resting, drinking lots of fluids, avoiding the cold, taking acetaminophen for a fever and ibuprofen for pain, and staying home from work so that you don’t infect others in the workplace.