How One Office is Preparing for the Swine Flu Epidemic

Now that the kids are back in school and fall officially started on September 22, 2009, most doctors, schools and workplaces are bracing themselves and gearing up for the start of flu season. We all knew this time of year was coming, what with the practical mass hysteria that has plagued the media regarding the H1N1 (more popularly known as "swine") flu. There are a lot of things that can be done to prevent the spread of H1N1 and lower your chances of getting it and our office has certain policies in place that they hope will prevent the spread of the flu and other illnesses to staff members. Here is a brief list:

1. If you are sick, stay home until you are cleared to return to work. It just makes sense that the less contact that you have with people, the less likely you are to spread the illness. And please do not feel bad about it. You won't get better anyways unless you rest!

2. Purell and other hand sanitizer stations that are attached to the wall and are close to doors, bathrooms, common areas and eating areas or food preparation areas guarantee that people see them and use them.

3. In conjunction with number two, our office has announcements at staff meetings and memos and emails that go around reminding people to wash hands, practice good hygiene and stay home if sick.

4. Get a flu shot at your primary care doctor's office if it is covered by your health insurance or have a flu clinic in your office. You may be uncomfortable for a few days, but the flu shot can help your body form a defense to the influenza virus or, at the very least, help you to fight it off much more quickly should you get it.

5. We also just moved into a new building and part of that move included making sure that our air quality systems functioned properly. This can prevent germs from festering and growing where they should not.

6. Our office is also really fortunate in that people can generally be flexible with working from home if necessary, where they suffer from chronic health conditions that make them more susceptible to infection. Try talking to a supervisor about this level of flexibility if there is concern about the flu and your chronic health condition.

7. This may sound silly and like it should not have to be said, but please refrain from sharing food and beverages. Don't share cups or silverware. This, aside from the lack of hygiene, is perhaps one of the quickest ways to spread germs.

8. Encourage employees to seek medical attention for their symptoms!

All in all, the H1N1 flu has many similar symptoms to the "regular" flu that we normally see and the same basic principles of disease prevention in relation to it apply. Don't be afraid to talk to employers about concerns with regards to your health in the workplace! Have a safe winter!