The H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as swine flu, is a hybrid of human, swine and avian flu viruses. Because this virus strain is more complex than the typical influenza virus, it is highly contagious. Being able to stop the virus from spreading is the first approach to preventing a pandemic. Employers should educate their employees on how to protect themselves from contracting the virus.
Step 1
Create or obtain educational materials on swine flu and distribute them to employees. Some employers have elected to print and post flyers or posters in common areas as gentle reminders of the steps employees can take to prevent the spread of the swine flu. Sending an email with prevention tips is also a low-cost yet effective way to increase awareness about the swine flu.
Step 2
Advise employees of the time-off or sick leave policies and amend, if necessary. Many employees continue to come to work even if they are infected for fear of not having enough available time off. Employees should be aware of the organization's time-off policy as well as the risk involved once they have been exposed others to the virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, the virus can be transmitted as early as 24 hours before symptoms first appear.
Step 3
Instruct employees to keep their hands clean through frequent washing, particularly after using the bathroom, coughing, sneezing or using public transportation. The Mayo Clinic indicates that the virus can live on some surfaces for up to two hours. Washing hands frequently helps to kill germs on a consistent basis, preventing infection. Carrying antibacterial gel or hand sanitizer at all times provides adequate protection when soap and water is unavailable. Employers should ensure that supplies of soap and sanitizer are generally available to employees to support their prevention efforts.
Step 4
Remind employees to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing. Swine flu is primarily spread through person-to-person contact with an infected person who coughs or sneezes. An infected person should cover his mouth with a tissue or cough and sneeze into his sleeve.
Tips and Warnings
- Communicate with employees, particularly those who use public transportation to get to and from work, about any identified outbreaks of swine flu.
Things You'll Need
- Swine flu educational materials---for example, flyers or posters
- Organizational time-off or sick leave policy
- Soap
- Antibacterial hand sanitizer
