As we gingerly approach this year’s cold and flu season, you can take steps to reduce your risk of catching a “bug” by following a few simple steps.

Protecting yourself from the flu, says Dr. Bonnie Henry, medical director of communicable disease control at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control in Vancouver, also protects those around you, particularly your clients.

“We sometimes don’t realize that [the flu] is a really big risk,” says Henry, who is also author of the book Soap and Water and Common Sense. “You might not get too sick, but others around you who have compromised immune systems, such as the elderly, can die from it.”

With that in mind, Henry offers the following suggestions to keep you (and your clients) in the best of health:

> Wash your hands
Your mother always told you, and now we’re telling you: wash your hands thoroughly, with soap and water, about five times per day to reduce the risk of infection — particularly before eating. If that is not always possible, Henry says, keep alcohol-based hand-cleaner within reach.

Hand washing is especially important, Henry says, after you shake hands with someone.

> Practice “respiratory etiquette”
Sometimes, when under pressure, you might forget to adhere to what Henry calls “respiratory etiquette” — coughing into a tissue or your sleeve to prevent the spread of germs.

Henry notes that we train our children to cover their mouths; adults should do the same.

> Call in sick
Since the 2003 SARS outbreak, many firms have become more aware of the negative economic impact of employees coming in to work while sick and sharing their infections with co-workers.

If you suffer from fever and cough, Henry says, “you should know to stay home until you are no longer infectious. It just makes sense.”

> Make use of technology
Just because you stay home with an illness, Henry says, doesn’t mean you can’t still get some of your work done.

You can participate in telephone conferences with colleagues, speak to clients via Skype and exchange information with the office via the Internet. Your clients will appreciate your added efforts and consideration.

> Get the flu shot
Many firms are putting in place free flu immunization programs for employees. Studies have shown these programs to be economically beneficial to employers and effective in reducing illness and absenteeism among working adults.