Flu is in the headlines again, but what does it mean for business …
22 December 2010
Swine flu is back in the news. This is not altogether very surprising as it is to be expected for a pandemic flu virus to become one of number of seasonal flu viruses post-pandemic. Currently the two main strains of flu that are circulating are Influenza B and H1N1 (2009) ‘swine flu’. However, latest figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) indicate that levels of seasonal flu are increasing across the UK.
Professor John Watson, head of the respiratory diseases department at the HPA, said "It's not unusual to see this level of flu activity at this time of year but, due to the fact that the H1N1 swine flu is one of the predominant strains circulating at the moment, we are seeing more severe illness in people under the age of 65 that we would usually see."
Fortunately, there is much we can do to help ourselves and staff take the necessary precautions to reduce the likelihood of being off sick with flu this winter.
This year’s seasonal flu vaccine includes a H1N1 component so that people who are vulnerable are protected against all the circulating strains. According to information from the HPA, the seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for those aged 65 or over and those with the following conditions, regardless of age: chronic respiratory disease, heart disease, renal disease and chronic liver disease, diabetes, immuno-suppression. Vaccination is also recommended for pregnant women, those living in long-stay residential homes, health care workers and carers.
It is really important that those in vulnerable groups get their flu jab as it offers the best protection from seasonal flu for those at high risk.
Catch it, Bin it, Kill it
It is important to remember that flu is usually spread from one person to another when an infected person has symptoms (i.e. through coughing and sneezing). So whether you have a flu jab or not, remember the advice given out during last year's pandemic about hand washing, disposing of tissues properly, etc., still holds true and following a few simple steps could make all the difference. This campaign has been re-activated in light of the current situation, for more information go to the Department of Health's website winterwatch.dh.gov.uk/chief-medical-officer-catch-it-bin-it-kill-it/ and download the NHS poster for use in the workplace from the Related Resources section below.
Whilst flu cases are still within the seasonal norms, there are years when flu epidemics occur and multiple absences from work could cause difficulties. Now is the time for organisations to check they have taken the necessary measures to help reduce the spread of the virus by communicating guidance to staff and implementing appropriate preventative measures in the workplace:
- Revisit and refresh existing awareness material (guidance is available from the Health Protection Agency HPA www.hpa.org.uk/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/SeasonalInfluenza/)
- Circulating this to staff to remind them of the importance of good personal hygiene both in the workplace and at home. Effective hand washing techniques are especially important
- Provide staff with contact details for NHS Direct (Tel: 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/) and, if applicable, the organisation’s occupational health provider, should they wish to seek advice about flu
- Encourage staff to stay at home should they be suffering from flu or a flu-like illness
- Review cleaning regimes to increase the frequency of cleaning of hard surfaces, e.g. door handles, lift buttons, stair rails, etc.
- Revisit pandemic business continuity plans to consider whether any additional actions can be taken to ensure staff absences are managed appropriately and to be prepared should there be a significant increase in flu-related illnesses
- Liaise with the company’s medical advisors or occupational health provider to ensure advice given to staff is current and appropriate
- Monitor the situation both locally and nationally
Teed’s Business Continuity Planning for a Pandemic Checklist has some useful tips and can be downloaded by clicking on the Related Resources link below.
Related Resources