Editor’s Note: This article is updated annually and has been modified to include new ideas and health and wellness promotional items.
With chilly weather comes mugs of hot cocoa, cozy sweaters and beautiful views. However, it also brings colds and flu. Flu season peaks between December and February and causes between 9 and 41 million illnesses annually. The common cold is the number one reason people miss school and work. In our annual cold and flu prevention update, we offer ideas plus health and wellness promotional items to help prevent and recover from colds and flu.
Don’t let germs stand a chance
Ward off germs with simple measures that go a long way. Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent germs from spreading. Sanitizing is the next best thing. The Slim Sanitizer with Loop conveniently hooks to bags, belt loops and backpacks. Keep a stock of Single Use Alcohol Wipes at workspaces so staff can wipe down keyboards, doorknobs and other commonly touched surfaces.
The Ultra Hand Sanitizer Spray easily fits in a pocket. With a quick spritz, harmful germs could be eliminated. The 2-in-1 Sanitizer Pen is perfect for people who want to carry around as few things as possible. With an ink pen on one side and sanitizer on the other, they can healthily multitask.
Provide quick comfort
Sometimes, no matter how many preventive measures you take, staff and patients will get sick with colds and flu. Help them recover quickly with health and wellness promotional items. A Reusable Goofy Guy Gel Hot/Cold Pack or Head and Sinus Thermal Wrap can soothe sinuses. A Goofy Tissue Pack comes in handy day and night for someone struggling with the sniffles—and brings some cheer to their room. A Digital Personal Thermometer helps keep a pulse on their temperature to ensure they’re steadily improving.
Consider the flu shot
The CDC says the flu shot has been shown to lessen the risk of needing to go to the doctor by 40-60%. Hand out syringe pencils as a cute reminder to get a flu shot. Also consider outfitting patients and staff with the Cold & Flu Health Kit. Conveniently stocked with alcohol wipes, pocket tissues and over-the-counter pain meds, this handy kit can save the day when they’re feeling under the weather.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Staying hydrated is key to staying healthy. A stainless bottle or glass bottle is an effective reminder to refill and drink up. A silicone reusable tea bag and tea and coffee mug with lid encourage people to start their morning off right with a soothing, hot beverage. Keep Bottled Water on hand so staff can easily grab water all hours of the day. A vacuum mug is a great health and wellness promotional item because it can keep water or another healthy beverage hot or cold for hours.
Get some ZZ’s
Staying rested is a great way to prevent the body from succumbing to the common cold or flu. A Shut Eye Travel Eye Mask helps people get plenty of rest at home and while traveling. A lavender essential oil roller bottle can help calm their body and mind so they relax and rest. A Bear Plush Pillow is a wellness promotional item that can make people smile and help them fall into a deep comfortable sleep. Encourage patients and staff to do a restful activity before bed. An Adult Coloring Book To-Go Set comes with colored pencils. A crossword puzzle book is another fabulous screen-free way for people to wind down before bed.
Stay healthy all winter long
With safety measures like stocking up on sanitizer and staying hydrated, plus using helpful health and wellness promotional items, it’s easier for your staff and patients to stay healthy during cold and flu season.