One of the worst things about working in an enclosed office space with others is the fast track of illnesses spreading through the office. Whether you work in a marketing agency or another type of office, there are lots of interactions between the people working there and the potential to spread germs can grow quickly. Suppose you do start to suffer from flu-related symptoms. In that case, it is important to know how that is categorized since you are only limited to either economic or non-economic damages. Below are some tips to help you survive flu season in the office this season and make it through healthy.

Get Your Vaccine

The most important thing anyone can do is take advantage of the flu vaccine. The CDC recommends a seasonal influenza vaccination every year for everyone 6 months old and older. Based on certain research, it is expected that there will be at least three to four strains of the flu that will be the most active in the upcoming season. Antibodies for these strains are placed in the vaccine and available at all doctor’s offices and pharmacies.

Maintain Your Mental Health

Having a healthy mindset is just as important as physical health. Your mental state can cause your immune system to be compromised, allowing you to get the flu or even worse conditions. There are cases where those who suffer from depression have a higher risk of heart disease by about 64%, which isn’t good for those trying to avoid the flu.

In order to keep your mental health safe during this time, make sure you go outside enough to get some vitamin D when the weather is good. Also, it is a good idea to surround yourself with others who make you laugh and keep you smiling. You need to avoid working late at the office and have enough work-life balance during this time.

Get Enough Rest

One of the worst things you can do during flu season is to avoid getting the required amount of sleep to be healthy. Although you may have long hours to work, you need to ensure you get anywhere from six to eight hours of sleep each night. A tired body will not be able to properly fight off the flu germs that are lingering around your office. Enough sleep allows your body to perform at its highest potential.

Clean Your Desk Regularly

While your desk may look clean, it doesn’t mean that it is without germs. At least a couple of times a week, you should take wipes or a disinfecting spray to your desk, clean off the surface, and remove any unwanted germs from the area. Some flu germs can be active for 24 hours or longer, so if you have the ability to do so, you should clean your desk at the end of each shift.

Have Sanitizer Available

If you have a space that you share, or you have a lot of folks come into your area regularly, it is a good idea to have hand sanitizer handy. Leaving it out front on your desk will not only encourage you to use the sanitizer but also your visitors who come into the area.

Work Remotely When Possible

One of the best ways to fight off the flu and the growing impacts that it can have in the office is to take advantage of working remotely when this is possible. For many offices, working remotely every day is not possible, but there’s an option to stagger it so everyone isn’t in the office all the time. If your office takes up marketing remote work, you can reduce the amount of exposure you have to the flu and keep everyone healthier and on task.