by Barbara Alvarez

Created on: December 02, 2008   Last Updated: December 11, 2008

It can be difficult for workers to maintain good health at work when office space is limited and when your co-workers are so willing to share their germs, viruses, bacteria and bugs with everyone. You know the scenario too well: you get to work on Monday and greet your fellow employees. Inevitably, one of your co-workers comes in coughing, sneezing and blowing his nose every few minutes. "Allergies?" you ask hopefully. "Nah, got a cold from one of my kids," your friend replies.

You decide you're keeping a very respectful distance from your co-worker until he's over his cold.

This could also be the scenario: you're eating lunch with your friends in the break room when one of your co-workers invites you to share a bite of her lunch. You think nothing of her offer and take a bite of her lunch. She confesses to having had a "queasy stomach" throughout the morning you think back ruefully to having shared a bite of her lunch. She leaves work early after visiting the bathroom several times. Sure enough, two or three days later, you wake up with your stomach feeling like World War III.

What can you do, short of going to work in a plastic bubble and coming across as being anti-social to your work peers? Take some simple precautions so you don't wind up having to use your precious sick leave to recover.

When you know a co-worker has come to work sick with a cold or an upset stomach, let them know you want to spend time with them, but you'll delay the pleasure until they get well. If you share workspace, make sure your office mate has a good supply of facial tissues and plenty of water in his own water bottle. Quickly run a disinfecting wipe over such surfaces as the phone, desk, computer keyboard, printer and any other items you may share with your co-worker. You can also spray disinfectant in your cubicle to kill stray germs. Pay attention to hard surfaces, as well. Try to be subtle about this. Do not share food or beverages with your co-worker until you know he has returned to full health.

Unfortunately, you do have to share the air in the office with your co-workers, whether healthy or sick. Make it a regular habit to drink plenty of citrus juices and eat fresh fruit, especially citrus fruits.

If one of your co-workers decides to tough out a bout of the flu at work, you have to take some strong precautions, especially if you suffer from a chronic lung disorder such as asthma. Try to urge your co-worker to stay home until she is fully recovered. Remind her that the flu is

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>