A doctor’s office is teeming with life. But it’s not just the patients sitting in the waiting room. There are bacteria and microbes floating from one sick person to the next. So how to do you stay healthy at the doctor’s office during your next visit? Here are five ways to avoid leaving the doctor’s office with anything other than a smile on your face.

Time Your Doctor’s Visit Wisely

Nothing could be more simple, yet more profoundly effective in helping you avoid bugs that may be floating around the doctor’s office. It sounds harmless, but think about it this way: A doctor’s office full of sick patients means a doctor’s office saturated with germs and bugs. Going when it isn’t so busy or when flu season isn’t at its peak is a good rule of thumb.

●      If it’s flu season and you only need a physical, consider visiting the doctor when the office is less busy.

●      Is it possible for you to consult by phone or online? Take the shock out of the visit by not going if you can avoid it during a hellacious flu season. Some doctors offer virtual visits – take advantage of this service if you can.

But if you absolutely must see the doctor, then timing is everything.  

●      Avoid the rush hour of crowds coming in during their lunch breaks, at the top of the morning or at the end of the day. A ZocDoc.com survey cited 10:00 and 2:00 as the most popular appointment times, regardless of the day of the week. Nabbing that first appointment may mean a cleaner, less crowded waiting room, plus less time in the office.