Are You Contagious? Help Your Co-Workers Avoid the Flu

If you’ve noticed a lack of recent blog posts on alive.com, it’s because the editorial department has been laid low by a nasty flu virus. Yes, we at alive have firsthand knowledge that if you want to stay healthy and avoid the flu, you must avoid those who are contagious.

If you think you’re coming down with the flu, what is the best thing you can do to prevent your co-workers from getting it too? Stay home! I appreciate the fact that my co-workers care about me enough to abandon me (I mean, to stay home and look after themselves).

If you find yourself waffling between staying home and going to work, remember:

When am I contagious?

• 1 day before your symptoms start
• up to 5 to 7 days after you become sick
• children may be contagious longer than 7 days

When does the flu actually start?

• symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the flu virus enters your body

You may carry the flu virus but not experience any symptoms. So you can pass the flu on before you even know you’re sick and while you’re sick.

How does the flu spread?
Flu virus droplets are spread when people talk, sneeze, or cough. And those little droplets can cover a range of six feet! Less commonly, people can get the flu by touching a surface that contains the flu virus and then touching their nose or mouth.

Avoid the flu 

• wash your hands often with soap and hot water
•  use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• don’t share a sick person’s dishes, cutlery, or linens

It’s too late for our editorial department, but it’s not too late for you. Lather up and do your best to avoid the flu. But when that fails, stay home until you’re not contagious. Joking aside, your co-workers will love you for it. And if my co-workers are reading this, get well soon!