How to Manage Your Immunodeficiency at Work: Fighting Germs in the Workplace 

Walking into an office filled with chatty co-workers, shared equipment, and small break rooms isn’t a big deal for most people. But for those with immunodeficiency, the work environment is filled with landmines that may affect health and safety.

While working at-home may be an option, you don’t need to wear a hazard suit to protect yourself when you have to go into the office.

At Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Associates in Tampa and Brandon, Florida, our team includes fellowship-trained immunodeficiency experts who help people manage their condition at work. 

Here, we want to explain how you can fight germs at the workplace.

Create a germ-free workspace

Creating a safe space that’s relatively germ-free is the first step in staying healthy at work. Before starting the workday, clean your area. We recommend disinfecting your keyboard and mouse, office phone, armrest, and desk surface. You can also clean any pens, staplers, or other shared office items or carry your own personal supply.

A good cleaning first thing in the morning is good practice for all employees, potentially keeping everyone healthy and reducing sick days. Hand out disinfectant wipes to your nearby co-workers or suggest the idea to your boss as a way to improve productivity. 

Practice good hygiene

While you may go above and beyond keeping your workspace clean, germs may still find their way to you. Practice good hygiene so you don’t inadvertently make yourself sick.

This includes washing your hands before and after you eat. We also recommend washing or disinfecting your hands after touching communal surfaces, like the entry door to the office or break room. 

Also, try not to touch your face in between handwashing. Germs get into your body through the nose, mouth, and eyes, and you may transfer them if you touch your face before sanitizing.

Keep your distance

You should also keep your distance from co-workers, especially those who are showing signs of sickness. Cold, flu, and COVID-19 germs spread through droplets when sick people sneeze, cough, or talk. 

Wearing a medical mask is also acceptable to protect yourself and may prevent breathing in germs at the office. 

Talk to your doctor

If you’re not sure how best to stay healthy at the workplace, we can help. Our immunodeficiency doctors can create a plan with you based on your illness and work environment so you stay safe. 

Your health information is private, but you can talk to your boss about special accommodations if you feel comfortable, such as having your own enclosed office space or working from home.

You can work despite immunodeficiency. If you have concerns, we can help. Call our office today or book an appointment with our experts using the online button. We have two offices in Tampa and one in Brandon.