According to the Doherty Institute, leaders in the prevention, treatment and cure of infectious diseases, when it comes to protecting yourself, your team members and your loved ones against contracting the flu, “preparedness is crucial, with vaccination being a key measure, along with good hand hygiene, focus on air quality/ventilation, and avoiding contact with those who are unwell.”1
We asked Sharon Bayldon, National Sales Specialist – Health, Hygiene & Safety at Winc to share her top recommendations for staying healthy at work this winter.
“The winter period brings about an increase in cold and flu cases. Awareness and action are crucial to help minimise and prevent illness, especially when it comes to the workplace,” said Sharon.
1. Arm yourself with the flu shot.
It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine, available through local pharmacies or a general practitioner (GP). Flu vaccines are available free of charge under the National Immunisation Program2 for children under five, pregnant women, adults aged over 65, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of any age and individuals with certain medical conditions. While in Queensland, flu vaccines are free once again in 2025 for those aged 6 months and up from 1 March – 30 September3. This program is also available in Western Australia from 1 May – 30 June4.
“Some workplaces even have onsite flu vaccination programs to help minimise out of pocket expense and disruptions to workday productivity.
“To help keep yourself, your team members and those around you safe and healthy this winter season, prioritise getting vaccinated as soon as possible,” recommends Sharon.
2. Practice good hand hygiene.
Door handles, taps, desk surfaces, elevator buttons and light switches. Viruses and bacteria can live for hours to months on these inanimate surfaces. In fact, according to a recent study5, the typical office desk is home to more than 10 million bacteria, 400 times more germs than found on a standard toilet seat.
“Surfaces that experience frequent usage contribute significantly to the transmission of viruses and bacteria. It is essential to maintain good hand hygiene by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water such as the Diversey Soft Care Dermawash Aloe Vera Hand Wash for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Additionally, using a hand sanitiser such as Dettol Healthy Touch™ instant hand sanitiser can effectively eliminate bacteria and help prevent the spread of germs,” suggests Sharon.
3. Have the essentials readily available on your desk.
As well as an effective hand sanitiser and packet of surface wipes, it’s crucial that tissues are available and readily distributed among employees. Not only can viruses be transmitted from people sneezing in their hands and not effectively cleaning them, but an uncovered sneeze can travel up to eight metres, depending on the temperature and humidity.
“Keep it covered and bin the bug right away with Sorbent® Professional silky white facial tissues! The best way to avoid germs lingering in the air is to cover a sneeze with a robust tissue and put it straight in the bin. This tissue is super soft, silky and hypoallergenic. Perfect for when the nose is feeling sensitive too,” recommends Sharon.
4. Stay active during breaks.
Studies suggest regular moderate exercise can enhance immune defence, more than halve your risk for respiratory infections and help fight off the common cold6.
“Simple activities like taking a brisk walk during your break, opting for stairs instead of elevators, or even performing exercises while seated at your desk can make a significant difference to your health,” says Sharon.
5. Stay hydrated and make healthy eating choices.
To help boost your natural defence system, it’s important to eat well and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Inadequate hydration can also result in headaches, reduced memory function, and slower response times, which can hinder your ability to perform tasks effectively.
6. Improve indoor air quality to combat allergies and illness.
One of the smartest ways to protect staff is by improving the indoor air quality in the office, as cold and flu viruses thrive in dry air. A commercial air purifier can improve the air in the workplace by removing dust, pollen and allergens. Some can even help to remove harmful bacteria, viruses and other microbes.
“Dry air has been known to aggravate the symptoms of a cold, especially a stuffy nose. An air purifier can also help employees who suffer from seasonal allergies by alleviating associated symptoms such as coughing, runny noses and itchy eyes,” says Sharon.
“But most importantly, in addition to the above tips, I would encourage anybody who is sick to stay at home to prevent the spread of germs and viruses!” said Sharon.
Shop our Hot Winter Sale online for all your cleaning and hygiene essentials this winter.
References:
1 How severe is this flu season shaping up to be?
<How severe is this flu season shaping up to be? | Doherty Website>
2Influenza (flu) vaccine, <Influenza (flu) vaccine | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care>
32025 Free Flu Vaccination Program, <2025 Free Flu Vaccination Program | Queensland Health>
4Free flu vaccines available in May and June 2025, <Free flu vaccines available in May and June 2025>
5Impact of a Comprehensive Workplace Hand Hygiene Program on Employer Health Care Insurance Claims and Costs, Absenteeism, and Employee Perceptions and Practices, <Impact of a Comprehensive Workplace Hand Hygiene Program on Employer Health Care Insurance Claims and Costs, Absenteeism, and Employee Perceptions and Practices – PMC>
6Exercising while sick: What are the rules? <Exercising while sick: What are the rules?>
