With the President’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology now reporting that the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) may infect half the U.S. population, hospitalize 1.8 million patients, and lead to as many as 90,000 deaths this year, it’s hard not to be concerned about its spread. Vaccinations are still not available, and yes, the flu season is rapidly approaching.
The fact is that no one wants to contract the virus that causes fever, cough, sore throat, chills, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea, but most of us are still not doing what is necessary to stop the spread of it. The fact is that the primary breeding ground for Swine Flu is likely to be where you work. Here’s what you can do to minimize your chances of acquiring it and spreading it to your coworkers:
Start Educating Employees about Swine Flu Today
The time to talk about Swine Flu isn’t after someone falls ill. The time to educate employees is now. Send an email that explains that it is an airborne virus that can be spread by the cough or sneeze of an infected person. Highlight the fact that it is very contagious, and good hygiene is vital for preventing its spread in the workplace. Provide information on the symptoms and incubation period (2 to 7 days).
As well, encourage everyone to wash their hands frequently and to always sneeze into their arm, as opposed to their hands. These two simple practices are among the most effective ways to stop the spread of infectious germs around an office. As reminders, post signs in bathrooms, lunchrooms, and locations where employees congregate.
Provide Hand Sanitizers and Anti-Bacterial Wipes
Give everyone the necessary products to keep their hands and their work spaces free from germs. Place hand sanitizers and anti-bacterial wipes in high traffic areas. Yes, there is a cost for these products, but it is far less than the cost of multiple employees calling out sick because they contracted the flu.
Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home
No one should be considered a hero around the office because they continued to work despite being sick and contagious. They are not only risking their own health, but they are also infecting others by simply being present in the office. Swine Flu is not something to be taken lightly. It can lead to complications and even death in some cases. Employees who are sick should be strongly encouraged to stay home until their symptoms have subsided.
Ramp Up Office Sanitation
Most cleaning crews empty trash cans, vacuum, and dust. Comprehensive sanitation is something that is not routinely done unless specifically requested. If you have had several ill employees, it is a smart idea to ask for a complete sanitization. It will be worth the extra money spent to have the crew wipe down door knobs, phones, desks, keyboards, elevator buttons, cafeteria tables, and conference rooms. Make sure that your cleaning provider is using anti-bacterial cleaning products.
Allow Employees to Work from Home
Sick employees can wreak havoc on a business, and work can quickly grind to a standstill if the flu becomes an epidemic in an office. One preventative strategy is to enable employees to work from home. With widely available mobile communications and laptops, working from home is doable for many office workers.
One technology that certainly lends itself to working from home is voice over internet protocol (VoIP). Providers of VoIP, such as MediaRing Talk, give businesses the ability to quickly adopt a telecommuting option for employees by offering flexible, easy-to-implement home-based communications including free PC to phone calls, conferencing, and instant messaging with presence.
While there is no one way to completely stop swine flu, implementing these five strategies can significantly help prevent its spread through the workplace. For more information on the latest swine flu developments, go to the CDC's website.
