It is predicted that the most difficult issue for businesses will be absenteeism. Since the impact of H1N1/Swine Flu is difficult to predict, it is best to be prepared ahead of time. In addition to vaccination, the best way to protect employees is to keep them well informed.
See Resources for Businesses and Employers (CDC)
See Resources: Fact Sheets and Tools for Brochures, Posters, and Additional Information
See Resources: Doing Business During an Influenza Pandemic
Basic Guidance for Employers
Practice Healthy Behaviors in the Workplace
· Educate employees on how to limit the spread of H1N1/Swine Flu within the workplace by frequently sanitizing hands, disinfecting surfaces and not touching their mouth, eyes or nose.
· Enable these behaviors by keeping good supplies of soap, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc. available. Undertake regular cleaning paying special attention to frequently touched surfaces.
· Encourage employees to stay home if they are sick. Employees should stay out of the workplace until they are fever free for 24 hours off of fever reducing medicines.
Help Employees Understand their Risk of Complications
·
Help
employees identify if they or a family member are at-risk for complications.
The following groups are at an increased risk:
§ Children less than 5, especially those less than age 2
§ Individuals with underlying health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease (including asthma), cancer, kidney disorders, liver disorders, neurological disorders, neuromuscular disorders and weakened immune systems
§ Children who take long term aspirin therapy (because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome)
§ These individuals should contact their healthcare provider early after symptom onset to evaluate the need for antivirals or other special care. Any person with symptoms beyond what they are used to with usual flu should contact a healthcare provider.
Create Contingency Plans
§ Create contingency plans to cover the duties of those unable to work due to the H1N1/Swine Flu.
§ Develop and or Review your agency’s Pandemic Response Plan. (See Resources: Pandemic Planning)
Evaluate Policies that
Support Effective Pandemic Response
§
For
example, evaluate leave and pay policies to be sure they enable staff to
follow public health recommendations about staying home or caring for
children at home.
Help High Risk Employees Access Vaccine as Soon as Supply Allows
§ This following individuals should be provided an opportunity to be vaccinated as soon as supply in the community allows.
o People living with or caring for infants under six months of age
o Health care workers
o Individuals 6 months to 24 years old
o People 25 to 64 years old who have underlying health issues
o Healthcare workers
· Once supply is sufficient to expand target groups, everyone who wants the vaccine should be provided an opportunity to receive it (Likely sufficient supply by at least January 2010).
