| By :
Eva Judge
Influenza, or the flu as it is most commonly referred, is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. This virus is contagious and can cause mild to severe illness. Certain people groups have higher risks of contracting the flu virus, and these groups include young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The flu can be debilitating and can cause serious health complications in some individuals. Unfortunately, even before symptoms appear the influenza virus is contagious. This is one of the reasons why the flu virus infects millions of people each year around the world. In the workplace, the flu virus is estimated to affect 20 percent of all workers. How to Protect Your Workplace - According to some estimates, approximately 1 million working days are lost each year in Australia due to the flu. Since the flu can be prevented, employers should take steps to ensure their workplace is protected from the flu virus. Employers should encourage their employees to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough and sneeze. Employees should wash their hands often with warm water and soap, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoiding close contact with individuals that are sick will help keep the flu virus from spreading. Additionally, when employees are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, they should be encouraged to stay home for at least 24 hours. Employees that have the flu should limit their contact with co-workers. Schedule a Workplace Vaccination Day - The single most important step that employers should take to prevent flu in the workplace is scheduling a workplace vaccination day. By doing so, employers can ensure that the greatest number of employees as possible receive the influenza vaccine. When a workplace vaccination day is scheduled, employees have the opportunity to voluntarily receive the flu vaccine. Employees will not be required to take additional time away from work as the vaccinations will be administered at the office/workplace. This provides convenience for employees and helps employers make certain the majority of their workers remain healthy throughout the flu season. When employees are healthy and working at their most productive levels, the company and its owners reap a more handsome profit. For this reason many employees believe that it is in their best interest to ensure that as many as possible of their employees participate in the workplace vaccinations. Employers can protect their bottom line by taking the necessary steps to protect their businesses during this flu season.
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