Employers Can Help Prevent Spread of H1N1 Virus

Connecticut Better Business Bureau offers employers tips for preventing workplace outbreaks

Wallingford, CT – October 6, 2009 – According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, the H1N1 virus — the so-called “Swine Flu” — isn’t any more deadly than a seasonal flu, but it is transmitted more easily.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 36,000 people die and another 200,000 are hospitalized every year from seasonal flu. The H1N1 flu is having a marked impact on the number of reported cases this year, however, Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti,  says simple workplace precautions can easily prevent the spread of both the H1N1 and seasonal influenza viruses.

“The flu virus spreads quickly in any place where people congregate, and the workplace is particularly prone because we spend so much time in close contact with other people during the day.  The good news is that employers can help prevent many cases of influenza. ”   

Connecticut Better Business Bureau offers the following advice to business owners on how to prepare for the flu season and a potential H1N1 outbreak:

Encourage employees who are feeling sick to stay home:
The CDC strongly recommends that employees who have flu-like symptoms should stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever to reduce the risk of spreading viruses to other employees.

Employers can encourage workers to stay home by allowing flexible leave or alternate work schedules to facilitate employees taking care of their own health and that of their families. CDC also recommends not requiring a doctor’s note for employees with flu-like symptoms.

Remind employees of habits for good hygiene:
Good hygiene will greatly help prevent the spread of germs and viruses throughout the office.  

CDC encourages employers to offer education on hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes in an easy-to-understand format and in appropriate languages. Also consider providing hand sanitizer, no-touch trash cans, and tissues.

The CDC also recommends that employers encourage staff to get vaccinated for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu virus.

Prepare a business continuation plan:
A business continuation plan would help direct employees and management on steps to take if key leadership becomes sick or if a major catastrophe temporarily prevents business operations. Because large numbers of staff could contract the flu, employers should ensure the business can continue operating by training other employees to step in if key staff should become ill. 

Better Business Bureau has posted Information on developing a business continuation plan at http://www.bbb.org/us/article/972.

For more advice on preparing your business for the flu season, visit the CDC’s Web site, www.flu.gov.