Each year, seasonal influenza makes it’s way around the country. Flu season can begin as early as October and last through May. It typically peaks in February or March. True influenza or “the flu” causes high fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, and a cough. Even for a healthy person, the flu can keep an employee out of work for a week (or more if a secondary infection like bronchitis or pneumonia develops). For the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and young children, the flu can be fatal. Here are a few quick tips to protect yourself and employees from influenza:
- Get the flu shot. Even in seasons where the flu shot isn’t as effective, it still prevents illness in at least 30-40% of cases and can reduce the severity of illness if you do still end up with the flu.
- Practice good hand hygiene. The single best way to prevent any illness, is to wash your hands with soap in warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay home when sick and encourage others to do the same.
