September 2009
Preventing H1N1 Influenza in the Workplace
With the arrival of the flu season, employers should be familiar with preventative measures to reduce the spread of H1N1 illness in the workplace. They should also prepare for the impact of an outbreak on their operations.
The H1N1 influenza symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu. They include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, body aches, lethargy, stuffy nose, and chills. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
H1N1 influenza spreads mainly through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can also become infected by touching contaminated surfaces such as desks, door knobs/handles, keyboards, pens, handrails, faucets, telephones and then touch their mouth and nose. It is necessary to clean those surfaces beyond routine cleaning. Sharing personal items like drinks, food, and utensils can be another source of infection.
People with underlying conditions are at higher risk of developing severe illness and complications from H1N1 influenza. Those at higher risk include people with lung disorders such as asthma or emphysema, heart, kidney and liver diseases, blood disorders, diabetes, impaired immune system due to illness or medication, long-term aspirin therapy.Â
Employers should:
- Remind employees to stay home if they have flu-like illness.
- Provide soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Promote good hand hygiene after contact with frequently-touched surfaces or other peoples’ hands.
- Review sick leave policies for handling absences prompted by illness or the need to care for sick household members.
Workers from offices, stores, manufacturing plants do not need to wear a mask, but they should stay home until 24 hours after their symptoms resolve. Workers in health care settings should follow standard procedures for infection control.
Help the workforce to stay healthy by promoting good hygiene and following infection control measures. Provide up-to-date information to help alleviate fear and anxiety. Visit the Englewood Health Department web page at www.cityofenglewood.org, or call Dr. Jean-Louis at 201-871-6508 or Ms. Morales at 201-871- 6511, the CDC at http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu, or the US Department of Health and Human Services at www.pandemicflu.gov.
Source: CDC H1N1 Flu Guidance
