As winter approaches, the U.S. is entering peak flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), thousands of people are hospitalized and die from flu-related illnesses each year. The flu is also responsible for almost 17 million missed workdays
Influenza, or the flu, is defined as a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. While most people who get the flu will recover relatively quickly, some may develop complications that can be life-threatening. Individuals who are at high-risk for complications include people over 65 years old, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
COMMON FLU SYMPTOMS:
- Fever or chills;
- Cough;
- Sore throat;
- Runny nose;
- Muscle, head or body aches;
- Fatigue; or
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
PREVENTION
All employees should follow basic hygiene practices to prevent illness. Many infectious diseases can be spread by hands to the nose or eyes, where they can enter the body. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Hand washing is the most effective way to reduce exposure to germs. Hand sanitizers can be used when soap is unavailable. The CDC recommends that all individuals get the flu vaccination and encourages employers to host flu vaccination clinics in the workplace. All individuals should practice healthy habits (i.e. get plenty of sleep, manage stress and eat nutritious foods) to reduce their risk of becoming ill.
Employers can establish a variety of internal policies and practices to protect employees and constituents, including:
- Encouraging flu shots.
- Providing hand sanitizer dispensers.
- Establishing work policies or physical barriers that minimize contact between employees and the public.
- Using personal protective equipment such as gloves, face shields, or surgical masks, if appropriate.
PANDEMIC FLU
An influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges globally with little or no immunity in the human population. A pandemic flu outbreak can impact employee and workplace operations. Planning for this type of non-traditional emergency is an important part of ensuring the health and safety of employees and continuity of operations in the event of an outbreak.
