Preventing the Spread of Flu in the Office

As winter sets in across Australia, flu season is officially underway—and workplaces are often hotspots for transmission. From shared kitchens to meeting rooms and keyboards, the average office can be a breeding ground for viruses.

Whether you work onsite full-time or in a hybrid setup, taking proactive steps to minimise the spread of influenza (and other respiratory viruses) is essential for protecting yourself, your colleagues, and business continuity.

Here’s how to stay flu-free—and help your team do the same—in 2025.

1. Get Vaccinated Early

The Department of Health and Aged Care recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older. Flu strains evolve each year, so timely vaccination is your best line of defence.

The flu shot is free for high-risk groups including people over 65, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. Many workplaces also offer corporate flu vaccination programs—ask your HR team if one is available.

2. Wash Your Hands—Properly and Often

Flu viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours. That means every shared printer button, desk phone or door handle could carry germs.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:

• Before and after eating
• After using the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing

Can’t get to a sink? Use a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content.

3. Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes

Always cough or sneeze into a tissue (and dispose of it immediately), or into your elbow if a tissue isn’t available. Avoid coughing into your hands, which can easily transfer germs to surfaces and colleagues.

Many offices now keep tissues and hand sanitiser in shared spaces—use them, and encourage your team to do the same.

4. Keep Your Hands Away from Your Face

Touching your eyes, nose or mouth is one of the fastest ways to introduce viruses into your system. If you must touch your face, wash your hands first.

5. Maintain Personal Space

If you notice a colleague showing flu-like symptoms, keep at least one metre of distance and avoid close contact such as handshakes. Consider virtual meetings or flexible work-from-home arrangements to reduce exposure risk during peak flu months (typically June to September in Australia).

6. Prioritise Your Immune Health

A strong immune system helps your body fight off infections more effectively. Support your wellbeing by:

• Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
• Staying hydrated (water and herbal teas are great options)
• Getting regular exercise and fresh air
• Sleeping 7–9 hours per night
• Managing stress through mindfulness, hobbies or talking with a mental health professional

Some people find immune support supplements (like vitamin C or zinc) helpful, though these should complement—not replace—a healthy lifestyle.

7. Stay Home If You’re Sick

Presenteeism—coming to work while unwell—does more harm than good. If you’re experiencing flu symptoms like fever, chills, sore throat, or fatigue, stay home, rest, and follow your workplace’s illness policy.

This not only speeds up your recovery but helps prevent a full office outbreak. Many employers now support hybrid or remote work during illness—check with your manager or HR team.

8. Seek Medical Advice If Needed

For moderate to severe flu symptoms—particularly if you’re in a high-risk category—see your GP. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to reduce severity and duration.

Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or use their online symptom checker for non-urgent guidance.

9. Prepare a Flu Contingency Plan

Whether you’re a team leader or employee, having a backup plan matters. Ensure you have:

• Remote access to email, files, and collaborative tools (e.g., Teams, Slack, Zoom)
• Clear handover notes or documentation for key projects
• Regular backups of essential files

Proactively planning reduces stress and keeps operations running smoothly if you or a colleague falls ill.

Want to Work in Health or Community Support?

Interested in roles that help others stay safe and well? Explore these related courses:

• Healthcare and medical courses
• Public Health and Infection Control training
• Mental health support and community services