According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 36,000 people in the United States die each year from flu complications. It is expected that these numbers will rise with the spread H1N1 (swine influenza) virus.
A good defense is the best way to fight flu. Small businesses need to be prepared for illness and protect themselves and their staff. Your business will be more productive if you have a happy, healthier workforce.
Do not forget the basics. First, wash your hands after touching someone.
To reduce germ buildup, you can use antibacterial soap or sanitizer to clean the offices’ bathrooms and kitchens. You can also wipe down computers keyboards, phones and light switches with rubbing alcohol.
It may be a good idea to remind employees by sending an e-mail to staff or posting a notice in the office. The CDC has information and materials to help you in the workplace.
Get a flu shot. The CDC recommends that you have an annual flu shot to protect yourself from this disease. In most cases, the flu vaccine will prevent you from contracting the disease.
Make flu shots available for your employees. If you don’t have flu shots in your workplace, consider making it a tradition to offer flu shots for all employees.
You can stay at home but be productive. To avoid the flu, and to prevent spreading it, you should stay home at first signs of symptoms. Encourage your employees and family members to stay at home if they feel ill.
Staffs are now more mobile than ever, so many people can work from their couch. It is possible to be productive, depending on how you feel.
LogMeIn Remote Access Software (www.LogMeIn.comIt is possible to. This allows employees and you to access your office computers from any Internet-connected computer. It also has a version that works with the iPhone.
You can find more information about vaccination and flu prevention at the CDC website http://www.CDC.gov.www.cdc.gov/FLU/.
