Flu Facts for Employers

The fall typically brings a return to normalcy in Arkansas, but this fall and winter could be anything but normal due to the novel 2009 H1N1 influenza A.

H1N1 flu, which the World Health Organization classifies as pandemic, was identified in this country in April and declared a national public health emergency only weeks later.

This flu so far has been no more severe than the ordinary seasonal flu we see every fall and winter. However, no one knows what will happen in the next few months.

The fear is that seasonal flu and H1N1 flu could “double-team” the population and overwhelm the nation. Flu spreads more easily during the fall and winter, and we have little or no natural immunity to the H1N1 virus, which could mutate and become more serious. If this fear materializes, business leaders with a plan will have the best opportunity to keep their offices, stores and plants operating smoothly.

There is already pressure on doctors’ offices and emergency rooms, so employers could consider suspending any requirement that employees document illness with a physician’s note.

Those who are mildly ill should stay home, and going to the doctor’s office may not really be necessary.
Organizations should first focus on keeping employees healthy. While it may seem critical to keep everyone at work, having someone with a contagious illness on the job could mean that many more employees eventually call in sick

Wellness programs can pay big dividends over time, and the centerpiece during flu season should be the flu shot. Shots that are 70 to 90 percent effective against seasonal flu will be available at mass-vaccination clinics conducted by the Arkansas Department of Health, at doctors’ offices and at other locations. Everyone should get one.

A vaccine for the H1N1 flu is available, too, but initially there is not enough for everyone. First in line will be high-risk groups: children and young adults between 6 months and 24 years of age, pregnant women, child care and health care workers, and people between 25 and 64 with underlying medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes. There will be enough vaccine later for anyone who wants it.

Good education and even signage in your place of business should be part of your educational efforts, too.
Frequent hand washing would be at the top of the list of your messages.

At the Department of Health, we believe washing your hands is the single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infections.

Nothing takes the place of warm, soapy water and vigorous washing for at least 20 seconds. Use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also helpful if you can’t wash your hands as frequently as you’d like to.

Next on the list would be covering coughs or sneezes with tissue. This will prevent droplets containing a flu virus from being transferred directly to other people or to hard surfaces where they can live for hours. As an employer, you can help employees practice prevention by making sure restrooms have soap and clean towels and by putting hand sanitizers in restrooms, lobbies and hallways.

You can also provide tissues, disinfectants and disposable towels so employees can clean their work surfaces, and you can have your janitorial staff disinfect other commonly touched hard surfaces such as break-room countertops, bathroom surfaces and doorknobs.

Nevertheless, even if you have the best-educated work force in the state, someone will catch the flu. You should plan for this eventuality also.

A plan should be disseminated to all employees as soon as possible. It should stress that the organization will continue with “business as usual,” but that sick employees should stay home.

Given the threat H1N1 flu presents, you may want to introduce distinctive sick-leave policies for employees who get the flu this season.

You should assure employees that you will let them know if a co-worker gets the flu, and you should clearly communicate what you will expect of them at such a time.

Much more about the flu and what businesses can do to anticipate and respond to it can be found under guidance for small business at the Department of Health Web site, www.healthyarkansas.com, and at www.flu.gov.

Paul Halverson is state health officer and director of the Arkansas Department of Health.