Even though the winter season is behind us, the germs that cause the common cold, influenza and other illnesses around the office are still present.

Use these helpful tips to avoid sharing and catching illnesses from colleagues.

Wash your hands frequently. Use anti-bacterial soap and wash for no less than 20 seconds. Consider keeping a small bottle of anti-bacterial hand sanitizer in your purse, desk drawer, briefcase, or vehicle for convenient access.

Avoid spreading airborne germs by covering your mouth when you cough, and using a tissue when you sneeze. Be sure to wash yours hands after coughing or sneezing. Also avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose after being exposed to shared surfaces.

Do not set your purse or briefcase on the floor or counter of a public restroom. You will carry those collected germs with you to your office, your client’s offices, the gym, and then home with you. Try to use the provided hooks in public restrooms or hold your bag to limit to spread of germs that accumulate in restrooms.

Keep surfaces clean by using anti-bacterial wipes on your desk, telephone, keyboard and any other surfaces that are shared by office staff. Shared surfaces also include doorknobs, shared telephones, copy machines and fax machines. Consider keeping your own container of wipes at your desk. Clean up messes that accumulate in the office kitchen. Small spills can lead to millions of germs. Keep cleaning products in stock and encourage everyone to keep the kitchen clean.

Avoid sharing dishes at the office. Bring in your own set of silverware and dishes, including a coffee mug. Make sure that you wash your dishes properly after use and store in a dry place.

Lastly, if you are ill you should stay at home and get plenty of rest. This will ensure your speedy recovery and avoid spreading illness to your co-workers.