Some office workers tend not to take sick leave and go to work sick just to keep the work going. It is irresponsible as the person doing so harms their own health – because the illness needs treatment – and the health of their colleagues. How to prevent cold and flu and ward them off if one of your colleagues is sick? Here are some useful tips.
Chew Ginger
Chew the roots of a sweet flag and ginger. They are rich in essential oils with antibacterial properties. Break a bit off the root, put it in your mouth and chew until tasteless.
Chewing releases antiseptic fumes from the roots. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women, those suffering from the common cold accompanied by fever as well as those with high stomach acidity and inflammatory bowel diseases should avoid these natural antiseptics.
Drink Vitamin Cocktails
Drink vitamin tea instead of office coffee. To make one, grind berries rich in vitamin C, add sugar, pour in boiling water and let stand overnight (the method ensures berries “give” all their vitamins).
Keep a Pot of Geranium on Your Table
The leaves of the plant emit volatile phytoncides that exterminate bacteria in the air. Besides geranium, two other houseplants are also rich in phytoncides – begonia and chlorophytum.
If you feel like sneezing, pick a leaf off the plant, then rub it between your fingers – to release more phytoncides –and inhale a pleasant odor for a minute.
Buy Air Ionizer
Ionizing is good way to purify air from dust particles and bacteria. Most ionizers come with two modes: ionizing for daytime when you work and ozoning for the night.
Ionized air is absolutely safe while ozone – though it neutralizes bacteria better than ions – may cause headaches if you inhale it more than half an hour.
Try Citrus Salad
Take 3 peeled oranges, 2 tangerines and 1 grapefruit, cut them into small pieces, squeeze half of a lemon into a salad bowl and sprinkle with coriander.
Mix everything well and let stand for 20 minutes. Eat this salad for the dessert 2-3 times a week. This is a wonderful dish full of plant proteins, flavonoids and vitamin C which strengthen the immune system.
Eat Brazil Nuts
Brazilian nuts are the richest source of selenium (1530 mg per 100 g). Selenium is known as a powerful immune system stimulator and antioxidant. If you lack this element, relatively harmless flu virus starts modifying rapidly inside your body. It leads to various flu complications. A few Brazil nuts can help to prevent the flu and its possible serious complications.
Airing the Room
Bacteria are transmitted from one person to another through the air, so drafts may drive them outdoors. So, ventilate the room you are working in every hour for 5 minutes. If you don’t, the number of viruses in the air will be increasing, therefore, putting you at higher risk of catching cold.
Keep Your Workplace Clean
Usually viruses reach us in few “leaps” like dust particles. On their way, they will accumulate on the things around you, on your table for example. So clean it with wet cloth – at least once a day. This is a simple way to reduce the number of viruses around you.
