Can You Catch a Cold or Flu from Work?

No—catching a cold or the flu is not specifically due to working, but from close contact with infected coworkers who spread germs through sneezes, coughs, and other means. However, the CDC advises that close contact with an infected person significantly increases your risk.

How Germs Spread in the Workplace

A work colleague’s unshielded sneeze can indeed transmit pathogens. Just as you wouldn’t want to be exposed to germs from a co-worker, they would also not want to get you sick. If colleagues exhibit symptoms such as coughing, blowing a runny nose, vomiting, a sore throat, or a fever above 100 degrees, they are likely contagious.

Understanding the Spread of Pathogens

While work itself is not an infectious agent, pathogens can spread rapidly in a work environment. Close contact with infected workers and the pathogens they shed during work can quickly become a source of infection for others. According to the CDC, being in close proximity to an infected person significantly increases your risk of contracting the flu or a cold. This is why it's crucial to practice good hygiene and maintain a proactive approach to infection prevention.

Preventing the Spread of Pathogens in the Workplace

To minimize the risk of spreading pathogens in the workplace, consider the following tips:

Practice good hygiene: Regularly wash your hands, especially after coughing, sneezing, or handling used tissues. Use hand sanitizers: Keep hand sanitizers at your desk for quick and convenient hand hygiene. Cover your coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow if you don't have a tissue to minimize aerosolized droplets. Practice social distancing: Maintain a safe distance (at least 6 feet) from colleagues who appear unwell or have symptoms. Stay home when sick: Avoid coming to work if you have cold or flu symptoms to prevent spreading germs to others. Clean and disinfect frequently: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, especially high-touch areas like doorknobs, keyboards, and phones.

In conclusion, while work is not an infectious agent per se, the close contact with infected colleagues can indeed increase your risk of catching a cold or flu. By understanding how pathogens spread and implementing effective hygiene practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of getting sick at work. Stay healthy and proactive in safeguarding your workplace environment.