Pharmacy Essentials to Combat Office Germs and Winter Illnesses

As I settle into my workstation beneath the harsh glow of fluorescent lighting, the symphony of coughs, sniffles, and splutters echoing throughout the open-plan office serves as a jarring wake-up call. It's a vivid reminder that I am not taking sufficient precautions against the seasonal colds and influenza that thrive during these winter months.

The Hidden Dangers of Shared Workspaces

Compounding the issue is our hot-desking policy, meaning the keyboard beneath my fingertips today could have been used by one of those visibly unwell colleagues just hours earlier. This unsettling realisation prompted an urgent lunchtime trip to Boots to stock up on antibacterial wipes and additional hand sanitiser.

However, proactive prevention extends far beyond these initial purchases. Your local pharmacy holds numerous solutions to not only safeguard your own health but also prevent you from transmitting germs to others.

Your Smartphone: A Germ Hotspot

In our modern, connected lives, smartphones are among our most frequently handled possessions, picked up dozens of times daily. Research indicates these devices can harbour more bacteria than the average toilet seat, given their constant exposure to everything we touch.

Screen cleaning wipes offer an effective solution. Both Apple and Google confirm that 70% isopropyl alcohol-based wipes are safe for device cleaning. Specialised screen wipes also combat fingerprints and smudges while eliminating germs.

Ineos Cleansing Hygiene Wipes – 15 pack
Whoosh Screen Wipes Pack of 20

Superior Hand Hygiene Solutions

According to NHS guidance, alcohol-based hand sanitiser can be more effective than soap and water for hand hygiene when applied to dry, clean skin. Formulas with at least 60% alcohol concentration can eliminate 99.9% of bacteria.

For those seeking less harsh alternatives, brands like Haan offer popular hand cleansers in pleasant fragrances such as Bright Rose and Wood Night.

Dettol Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser Aloe Vera Gel
Aesop Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash
HAAN Spray Hand Sanitiser - Bright Rose
HAAN Spray Hand Sanitiser - Wood Night

Protection for Commuters

Public transport commuters face additional exposure through poles, handles, and rails. A pair of easily washable gloves provides a protective barrier. Functional options like Uniqlo's HEATTECH Knit Gloves offer both warmth and hygiene.

Uniqlo HEATTECH Knit Gloves
Accessorize Plain Wool Gloves

Building Internal Defences

When external bacteria inevitably breach your defences, a robust immune system becomes your body's best ally. Maintaining optimal levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc is crucial for immune function.

Holland & Barrett provides an extensive range of vitamins and supplements specifically formulated for cold and immune support. Meanwhile, Wild Nutrition's Food-Grown Immune Support offers a natural approach to fending off pathogens.

H&B Expert High Strength Triple Action Immune Support
Wild Nutrition Food-Grown® Immune Support

Simple Health Fundamentals

Often overlooked, proper hydration forms a cornerstone of basic health. A high-quality water bottle, such as Stanley's All Day Slim Stainless-Steel Bottle or Chilly's Pastel Green Original, serves as both a practical tool and a constant reminder to drink regularly.

Having compiled this comprehensive list of high-street essentials, you can now approach the winter season with greater confidence, knowing you've taken practical steps to protect yourself from illnesses that could disrupt your daily life.