Staying Healthy During Cold & Flu Season in the Workplace

Simple steps to protect yourself, your coworkers, and those you serve.

Cold and flu season typically runs from October through the winter months, and workplaces — where people work closely together and share spaces, equipment, and surfaces — are prime environments for germs to spread. The good news: a few consistent habits can meaningfully reduce how often illness moves through your team. Here’s what to know and share with your staff this season.

Key Tips for Staying Healthy

• Get your annual flu vaccine. Follow CDC guidance and talk with your healthcare provider about the annual flu vaccine.
• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue, dispose of it in a no-touch trash bin, and clean your hands afterward.
• Keep hands away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce germ spread.
• Stay home when sick. If you have a fever, stay home for 24 hours unless seeking medical care.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces. Regularly disinfect shared equipment like keyboards, phones, desks, and work tools.
• Maintain distance when possible. Avoid close contact with sick individuals and minimize time in crowded settings.
• Limit sharing and close contact. Avoid sharing personal supplies or equipment, and swap handshakes for contact-free greetings.
• Promote a healthier workplace. Minimize unnecessary in-person meetings and visitors, and keep shared spaces well-ventilated.
• Support your immune health. Prioritize regular exercise, adequate sleep, and nutrient-rich foods throughout the winter.

Cold or Flu? Know the Difference

Cold and flu symptoms can look similar, but spotting the difference helps your team seek the right care sooner.

• Common cold: Symptoms come on gradually and typically include nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose, sometimes with a cough or mild headache. Symptoms usually last about a week, and over-the-counter medications are generally effective.
• Seasonal flu: Symptoms come on suddenly and are more severe, often including high fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Symptoms generally improve within two to five days but can last a week or more. Antiviral medications can help — contact a doctor if symptoms worsen or if you’re in a high-risk group (young children, adults 65+, pregnant women, or those with asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).

If You Do Get Sick

No matter how careful we are, illness happens. If you start feeling unwell:

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home rather than coming into work.
• If you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours unless seeking medical care.

Make It a Team Effort

Reducing the spread of colds and flu in the workplace isn’t about any single precaution — it’s about consistent, shared habits. Encourage your team to get vaccinated, wash their hands often, stay home when sick, and keep shared spaces clean. A few simple steps now can mean a healthier, more productive winter for everyone.

For more safety and risk-management tips, contact Lamb today.