As frigid winter weather begins to thaw and the sun emerges from hibernation, workers and their families are faced with a new threat: influenza. The Iowa Department of Public Health reports that influenza (flu) is widespread across the state with illness rates peaking throughout the Midwest. According to NIOSH, the flu causes Americans to lose up to 111 million workdays at an estimated $7 billion per year in sick days and lost productivity.
The flu primarily affects the respiratory tract. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Contrary to popular belief, only a small percentage of people experience vomiting and diarrhea when infected. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
What should your business do to reduce the impact of the flu?
- Provide annual influenza vaccinations on site.
- Encourage sick individuals to stay home until 24 hours after symptoms subside.
- Wash hands and surfaces often.
- Encourage staff to cover coughs and sneezes.
The CDC recommends individuals “Take 3” Actions to Fight the Flu
-
Get a flu vaccine
- This is the most effective step to protect against flu viruses.
- Experts confirm it is not too late to get yours now!
-
Preventative actions to stop the spread of germs
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs
- Wash your handsoften with soap and water
- If you are sick with flu symptoms, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
-
If prescribed, take flu antiviral drugs
- Antiviral drugs (different from antibiotics) can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick