Flu season runs concurrently with cold season, typically beginning in November and lasting through April. Both flu and cold viruses often spread from one surface to another in the workplace with the help of human hands. Experts at the CDC say that people are more contagious during the first two to three days after contracting a cold, but they are contagious immediately after contracting the flu virus. This means that people are infectious even before they develop symptoms, which is a major reason why the flu is spread so easily. People with the flu virus continue being contagious for about five days after initial infection.
Research shows that between five and 20 percent of Americans become infected with the flu annually, and the virus costs a cumulative amount every year of more than $10 billion in medical expenses. It also accounts for more than $16 billion in lost wages. Of people hospitalized with the flu, about 60 percent are between the ages of 18 and 64. This is the typical age range for working Americans, so experts urge all people who work with others to take the proper precautions.
Employers can help prevent the spread of flu in the work place by:
- Encouraging employees to be vaccinated every year
- Hosting vaccination clinics at the workplace or at a designated pharmacy
- Providing literature about vaccines that shows the benefits of being vaccinated
- Offering discounted flu vaccines for workers' family members as well as workers themselves
- Making sure doorknobs, counter tops, and all other common area surfaces are properly sanitized at least once daily during flu season
Everyone can help stop the spread of flu by developing healthy habits such as:
- Staying home from work at the first sign of flu symptoms to reduce the possibility of infecting others
- Avoiding being around people who have been infected with the flu and have symptoms
- Always covering the nose and mouth when sneezing. Cover your sneeze with a tissue or your elbow rather than your hand.
- Washing hands frequently, and always before eating or touching your face. Flu germs are easily spread when someone touches an infected surface and then rubs their nose or touches food.
- Turning off the faucet with a paper towel when washing hands. Use that towel to open the door as well.
In addition to these practices, employers should encourage their employees to drink plenty of fluids but avoid sharing cups or straws. They should also encourage employees to get plenty of fresh air, eat healthy foods and exercise adequately. All of these tips should be provided in written form to help employees remember how to stay well during flu season.