Published on January 7, 2010 at 12:27 AM
Flu season peaks in January and February. For adults, the workplace is
the most common place to catch the flu.
Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state’s leading provider of workers’
compensation insurance, encourages the public to follow these tips to
reduce their chances of getting sick:
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Get a flu shot. This is the best way to reduce your chances of
getting sick, but talk to your doctor before you get a shot. Some
employers offer flu shots. If yours does not, visit the Texas
Department of State Health Services at www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize/flu.shtm
or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.flu.gov/individualfamily/vaccination/locator.html.
Remember that seasonal flu shots do not protect you from the H1N1 flu
strain.
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Clean your hands often. Wash your hands frequently, for at
least 20 seconds, with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners.
Keep hand sanitizer at your desk.
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Disinfect your work area. Scrub your telephone, desk and
keyboard with a common household cleaner.
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Keep your distance. Keep your distance from sick people by
holding more teleconferences or virtual meetings. If you have to be in
the same room with a sick co-worker, try to stay at least six feet
away.
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Listen to your body. Fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or
stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue are common
symptoms of seasonal flu. People who have the H1N1 flu strain might
also experience diarrhea and vomiting. If you feel like you are
getting sick, call a doctor immediately. Refer to your company’s
policy to decide whether you should stay home.
Source: Texas Mutual Insurance Company