Spring has rolled in here in Atlanta, and brought a record number of pollen with it this year. Atlanta is known for sporting the color yellow on everything this time of year. Unfortunately, this seasonal fashion statement is also the cause of rampant allergies. Sneezing, wheezing, and coughing are common background noise.
The rules of etiquette dictate courtesy to others. And the most important courtesy this time of year is not infecting anyone with your spring sickness. Here are a few ways to show courtesy while combatting your allergies.Stay at home if you are sick- Spreading your illness to coworkers is no help to your company’s bottom line. Rest, get yourself better, and then you’ll be much more productive at work – and a lot less germy!Avoid Shaking Hands- Although proper etiquette dictates you shake hands when meeting someone new, if you are sick then excuse yourself from shaking their hand by saying, “I’m so sorry, but I’m not feeling my best today and don’t want to get you sick.”Keep clean- Washing your hands often is especially important if you are sneezing or coughing. But we don’t give much thought to how cleanliness might help reduce the amount of pollen in our environment. When out and about for the day, you collect a sizeable amount of pollen on your shoes, clothing, skin, and in your hair. Washing yourself, your clothes, bed linens, and keeping your home clean are especially important this time of year. It always helps to keep a hand sanitizer on your desk or close by in case of some accidental germ encounters.
Have tissues on hand- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends sneezing and coughing into a tissue, then discarding the tissue immediately (and wash your hands!). If you prefer to use a handkerchief, have more than one with you and wash them in hot water to clean. If you don’t have a tissue . . . always sneeze or cough into your upper sleeve instead of your hand.Are you prepared for allergy season?
