BUSINESSES
What should businesses do about the flu this winter?
This winter, H1N1 influenza 09 will continue to spread within the population of NSW, along with other influenza viruses seen each winter. The H1N1 influenza 09 virus produces a mild illness in most, a severe illness in some, and is a moderate illness overall. Because there is little immunity to this virus in the community, it is likely more people will become sick with influenza ('the flu') this winter, compared to usual winters. Businesses can prepare for this flu season by taking steps to minimise the spread of infection by staff education and the provision of cough and hand hygiene materials in the workplace.
What should business do about the flu this winter?
For most people, both H1N1 influenza 09 and seasonal influenza will remain relatively mild illnesses, however, it is important to protect staff and clients from infection because some people will suffer more severe illnesses. Taking the precautions described here this 'flu season will assist in limiting the spread of both H1N1 influenza 09 and other viruses.
For more information about the disease please see our H1N1 Influenza 09 Fact Sheet.
What are the symptoms of flu?
Both H1N1 influenza 09 and normal seasonal influenza can produce the symptoms of fever, chills, cough, sore throat, tiredness, and muscle aches and some people have also complained of vomiting and diarrhoea. Severe cases of influenza can result in breathing difficulty and pneumonia. Symptoms generally appear between two to four days after exposure.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can get influenza, including H1N1 Influenza 09. Some people have been found to be more likely to develop severe illness from both seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza 09. Please see the NSW Health Fact sheet for more information on people at increased risk.
While the disease overall is a moderate illness, a sizeable proportion of the population will be affected this winter as there is little or no immunity to the virus in the community.
Advice for managers
To prevent the spread of influenza, use of hand washing facilities or alcohol-based hand-rub should be encouraged. If staff are sick with an influenza-like illness, they should be advised to stay at home and limit contact with other people to avoid infecting them. Quarantine of people who have been in contact with cases of H1N1 Influenza 09 is no longer advised. Businesses are advised to prepare continuity plans to deal with the possibility of greater-than-usual staff absences, changed demand from clients, changed availability of consumables and increased stresses in the workplace that may occur this winter.
Advice for staff
Flu is spread mainly from person-to-person through infected people coughing or sneezing. Particles from coughs and sneezes can remain infectious on people's hands and on surfaces around the workplace.
Panvax (®) H1N1 Pandemic influenza vaccine (CSL) has been developed to protect people against the pandemic influenza virus (formerly called human swine influenza or swine flu). Anyone who wants to protect themselves against pandemic influenza can receive the vaccine.
The following advice should be given to staff with symptoms of the flu to help stop spreading it to others:
• cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the garbage bin after you use it.
• wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough, sneeze or go to the toilet. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
You should ensure that commonly touched areas in the workplace are cleaned regularly, as influenza viruses can survive on hard surfaces for several hours.