MILLIONS of employees returned to their workplaces last week as the school holidays ended and the numbers double-jabbed continued to climb.
But after working inside the protective bubble of your home, are you prepared for the office ailments and workplace bugs?
Dr Sarah Jarvis, clinical director of patientaccess.com and GP on Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show, says: “It’s not just Covid that employees need to be mindful of, all sorts of illnesses can spread as people begin to work in close proximity for prolonged periods of time.
“It’s highly likely there will be a lot of flu around this year.
“In addition, a major change in working patterns such as returning to the office could increase your risk of stress, joint problems and headaches.”
Dr Jarvis talks LYNSEY HOPE through some of the risks and how to protect yourselves.
EYE STRAIN
AS so many jobs involve sitting in front of a computer screen all day, eye strain, or fatigue, is incredibly common.
Symptoms can include a dry sensation, discomfort, itching, redness, double or blurred vision.
Dr Jarvis says: “The top of your screen should be around the level of your eyes, possibly slightly lower, and about an arm’s length away from your body to reduce the risk of suffering from eye strain.
“We tend to blink less when we’re sitting at a computer, so you end up with dry and tired eyes. Blinking lubricates the eyes and can prevent this.”
TREATMENT: Try the 20:20:20 rule. Every 20 minutes, focus on something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It may help to add an extra 20 by blinking 20 times. Over-the-counter eye drops may help in severe cases.
WEIGHT GAIN
IF returning to work means ditching the morning run and diving into the office biscuit tin, you could be at risk of gaining weight.
“Being overweight increases your risk of a whole host of medical conditions, from heart attack and type 2 diabetes to osteoarthritis,” Dr Jarvis says.
“If you’re tempted to nip off to the vending machine and then fill up on chicken and chips at lunchtime, try to make small changes.
"For example, if you miss breakfast then have a pastry mid-morning, opt for porridge with fruit before you leave home. Keep healthy snacks at work.
"And don’t forget to exercise – getting off the bus early or taking the stairs is a great start.”
TREATMENT: A healthy diet with plenty of fruit and veg. Avoid sugary snacks and have at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week.
RSI/WRIST PROBLEMS
CONDITIONS such as carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury are common among office workers who use keyboards.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on a nerve in the wrist, causing tingling, pain and numbness in the hand.
Repeitive strain is pain in the muscles, nerves or tendons caused by overuse or a repetitive movement, such as typing for lifting.
“Employers can carry out a risk assessment to check your work area is suitable,” Dr Jarvis says.
“Your keyboard should be four to six inches from the front of the desk so your wrists are not bent.”
TREATMENT: A splint can keep your wrist straight and relieve pressure if you have CTS, but it could take four weeks before it improves. See a GP if symptoms persist. For RSI, reduce the activity causing symptoms – you may need to stop the movement altogether.
COVID 19, FLU AND SORE THROAT
THESE are largely spread by coughing and sneezing.
“So if you’re in close contact with people in an office for prolonged periods of time, you may be more likely to catch them,” says Dr Jarvis.
“If the aircon is turned on, the air is being recirculated, so you may be more likely to catch something. If you are following Covid precautions, the likelihood is you will have a very low risk of these illnesses. Social distancing is important.
“If you have a cough, you must take a Covid test and only return to the workplace once you’ve had a negative result.
"If it turns out to be a common cold, be strict with your hygiene measures to stop it spreading. Sneeze into a tissue, dispose of it straight away and wash your hands.”
TREATMENT: Over-the-counter painkillers or cough and cold medications. Plenty of rest and drinking water to avoid dehydration. Adults can safely gargle salt water to ease a sore throat.
STRESS AND ANXIETY
TWO fifths of workers are anxious about returning to work, according to a poll by YouGov for The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Dr Jarvis says: “Are you anxious about interacting with people again? Is it the commute, or are you worried about catching Covid?
“Speak to your employer if you feel stressed or anxious. If you’re worried about Covid, ask what precautions they are making.
“If you’re still worried, speak to them and try to come up with a solution. They might allow you to work flexible hours so you’re not travelling in rush hour, or work certain days at home.”
TREATMENT: Anyone in England who might be suffering anxiety can refer themselves for talking therapies by visiting patientaccess.com.
MIGRAINE
ONE in five women and one in 15 men get migraines. These are usually a moderate or severe headache with a throbbing pain on one side of the head and can cause you to see flashing flights.
“A return to office working could cause migraines especially if yours are triggered by bright lights,” Dr Jarvis says. “Everyone’s triggers are different.
"The key is to identify what causes migraines, so keep a diary and try to avoid the causes.
“Keeping well hydrated, regular exercise, eating regularly and limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol are measures some people prone to migraines find helpful.”
TREATMENT: Over-the-counter painkillers can be effective. In some cases, a GP might prescribe some anti-sickness pills or triptans, which reverse changes in the brain that cause migraines. Sleeping or lying in a darkened room may also help.
GASTROENTERITIS
STOMACH bugs caused by norovirus and other viruses spread in places where there is poor toilet hygiene. They can be serious and symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
“The virus gets onto your hands when you wipe and is then transferred to surfaces by touch before you have washed your hands,” Dr Jarvis explains.
“To avoid these kinds of bugs spreading, we need to be washing our hands really, really thoroughly. If you have a tummy bug, do not go back into the workplace until at least two days after symptoms have gone as you could still be infectious.”
TREATMENT: Stay home and get plenty of rest. Drink lots of fluid – little and often if you feel sick. Water or squash is fine, but avoid alcohol because it dehydrates you rather than hydrates you.
BACK PAIN
WORKERS who suffer back pain take 12 days off sick every year on average, according to the British Chiropractic Association.
Dr Jarvis says: “Many GPs have seen even more people with back pain during the pandemic – probably as they don’t have a work station properly set up at home.
"But if the pain worsens or starts when you return to the office, your work station may need adjusting. Ask your occupational health department for a desk assessment.”
Use a chair with good back support. Dr Jarvis adds: “Your thighs should be parallel to the ground with your knees at right angles and your feet on the floor.”
TREATMENT: Symptoms should ease within a few weeks or months. Perform stretches regularly. Ibuprofen can help but is not suitable for everyone. Paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain.
CRY COUGH
AIR-conditioning units reduce humidity in order to maintain a low temperature, and a dry environment may sometimes cause a cough to come on.
Dr Jarvis says: “If you have a persistent cough, don’t assume it’s the air-conditioning. Get a Covid test and don’t return to work until you have a negative result.
“Air conditioning can cause a dry environment and lead to coughs but many work and public places are not using aircon at the moment WHY NOT? OURS SEEMS COLDER THAN EVER.
“But once you’ve ruled out other causes, it may be that the aircon is causing you to cough.”
TREATMENT: Having a humidifier positioned near to your desk may help to relieve symptoms.
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