As temperatures dip everywhere for the winter chill and we begin our shift into the cold months, make note that it is also the time we are in the full swing of cold and flu season! Nowhere is this more prevalent to me than when I am inside a warehouse checking in and see people with red eyes, runny noses, and tissue boxes at the ready. Keeping the germs away and your health in top shape can be as simple as adding a few simple steps into your routine.
We have gloves to protect our hands when working around the truck and trailer, so why not take a few extra minutes during the day to protect them when we are in the germ infested shipping and receiving areas? You know the ones I am talking about. The waiting areas where you’re even afraid to rest against the wall! Even the cleanest waiting areas are still prone to germs on things such as doorknobs, communal writing pens (usually secured to the counter with a 20 lb. weight), and snack vending machines. Not to mention the airborne germs and viruses waiting to invade through your necessity to breathe air to survive.
There are three simple I do to help minimize my risk of getting the cold or flu from having to frequent warehouses. These effective methods of prevention are to wash your hands often, sanitize whenever possible, and help filter the air you suspect is contaminated. I make it a point to wash my hands whenever a customer has facilities available to do so. I figure that the more I wash, the fewer germs I can have on my hands. Being slightly allergic to some chemical soap brands, I actually have my own all-natural anti-bacterial
soap. Throughout the day, especially when wash facilities are not available, I use an all-natural foaming hand sanitizer to further battle the germs I pick up. If you suspect someone of being sick, (e.g. coughing, sneezing, blowing their nose, etc.) be sure to carry a simple hospital germ mask to wear when you are in close proximity to them. It may look weird, but I would rather look weird for a brief moment than lose a day of work from getting sick.
If you are unfortunate enough to come down with a cold or the flu, be cautious about rules for using and carrying medication on a commercial motor vehicle and while in operation of one! Most companies have certain policies of approval for over-the-counter medications of any kind and prescription medications are restricted to the prescribed user only and regulated by the DOT. Some may cause side effects that may not be safe while being behind the wheel of a truck, so choose and monitor what you
take very carefully. When in doubt, ask a pharmacist or physician what side effects you will encounter ahead of time. Your body is more easily fatigued when you are sick and can also get dehydrated very fast, so drink plenty of clear fluids and electrolytes (Pedialyte, etc). This will also help ensure your body can help kick the sickness faster and flush out whatever is making you sick.