H1N1 Update for the Workplace: Protect Your Employees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) November 23, 2009 -- Flu season is officially beginning and vaccination clinics are in full swing. Companies need to remember that they play an important role in minimizing the spread of disease. Below is an update on the role that companies can play in minimizing the spread of H1N1.

"The Stomach Flu"

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H1N1 Update for the Workplace: Protect Your Employees

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Many people associate gastrointestinal upset with the “stomach flu”. However, the “stomach flu” is usually gastroenteritis (inflammation and irritation of the stomach and intestines) which may be caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites in unclean water or spoiled food. The influenza is actually a respiratory disease and only sometimes causes gastrointestinal issues.

"Contagiousness"
It is highly recommended that those people who display any symptoms of the H1N1 virus should stay home. Transmission of the disease can occur approximately one day before the onset of symptoms to approximately one week from when the symptoms began (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2009). It can take between two and seven days for an individual to feel symptoms once infected (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2009)

"Workplace Tactics and Prevention"

The following is a brief list of the things employers can do to prevent the spread of H1N1 in the workplace.

1.Early identification of influenza like symptoms (Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, 2009)
Send company-wide emails or post lists of the following signs and symptoms of influenza:

Almost Always: Cough and Fever

Common: Fatigue, Muscle Aches, Sore Throat, Headache, Decreased Appetite and Runny Nose

Sometimes: Nausea, Diarrhea and Vomiting


2.Self-isolation
Anyone who exhibits signs or symptoms of influenza should be encouraged to stay home and minimize contact with others until their symptoms have subsided.

1. Post and encourage proper coughing and hand-washing etiquette.

2. Consider increasing the amount of hand-washing stations and hand sanitizers.

3. Environmental cleaning.
The influenza virus can last up to 3 days on surfaces. It is recommended that computer keyboards, bathroom faucets and door handles are cleaned up to twice a day with commercial household wipes.

4. Encourage your employees to get vaccinated with the H1N1 vaccine.

By encouraging a few of these basic prevention measures, your company can reduce the impact of the H1N1 virus on your employees, business and revenue.

5. Have your employees fitted for H1N1 masks in the event your organization experiences and epidemic.
If your company/organization, would like information on mask fitting for N95 masks, which if fitted properly, are effective in preventing the spread of H1N1, please call SureHire at 1-866-944-HIRE. We offer testing services throughout Canada.

More information can be found online at http://www.surehire.ca

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