Flu season is an important time for employers to share practical health information with their teams. Although employees cannot avoid every exposure, simple preventive steps can help reduce the risk of getting sick and spreading influenza in the workplace, at home and in the community.
The flu is more than a bad cold. Influenza is highly contagious and can cause serious illness, including pneumonia and hospitalization. Older adults, young children, pregnant people and those with certain health conditions may be at greater risk of complications.
With two new Ascension Rx pharmacies opening in Oshkosh, Fox Valley residents will have convenient access to pharmacy services close to home. Ascension Rx pharmacists can assist with prescriptions, medication questions, prescription transfers and vaccinations, including annual flu shots.
Mohamad Fakih, MD, MPH, Chief Quality Officer at Ascension, explains five ways employees can prepare for flu season and what to do if symptoms develop.
Why flu prevention matters for employers
Flu prevention matters for everyone. For employers, helping employees stay healthy during flu season can reduce the spread of illness, support workforce well-being and help keep operations running smoothly.
In severe flu cases, patients may develop pneumonia and may require hospitalization and extended absence from their workplace. Employees who are most vulnerable to complications from the flu virus include:
- People age 65 and older
- People with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease
- People who are pregnant
- People with weakened immune systems
Most adults should get a flu vaccine every year. Vaccination can lower your risk of getting the flu, reduce the severity of illness if you do get sick and help protect people who are young, older or have chronic heart or lung problems.
5 tips to help prevent the flu
“Getting vaccinated is your first line of defense, but healthy habits can also help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses like the flu,” says Dr. Fakih.
Employers can share these five prevention tips with employees throughout flu season.
1. Get your annual flu shot
Most adults should get a flu vaccine every year. Flu season often increases in the fall and winter, so getting vaccinated in early fall can help the body build immunity before flu activity rises in the community. However, getting vaccinated later in the season is better than not getting vaccinated at all.
Employees should talk with their health care professional if they have questions about when or where to get vaccinated. They can also visit a local pharmacy for a flu shot.
Employers can support vaccination by sharing clinic or pharmacy information, promoting available health benefits and allowing reasonable flexibility for vaccination appointments.
2. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands often
Good hand hygiene is one of the easiest ways to help prevent the spread of germs.
“Perform hand hygiene by either using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, or washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing or being in public places,” advises Dr. Fakih.
Workplaces can make this easier by keeping soap, water and hand sanitizer available in convenient locations.
3. Avoid touching your face
The eyes, nose and mouth can provide entry points for viruses. Encourage employees to avoid touching their faces with unwashed hands.
Employees should cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow, throw tissues away promptly and wash or sanitize their hands afterward.
4. Avoid crowds in close spaces and consider using a mask for protection
When flu activity is high in the community, employees may choose to avoid crowded indoor spaces when possible. Wearing a mask can also help reduce exposure to respiratory viruses and may help prevent someone who is infected from spreading illness to others.
This may be especially important for people who are caring for or spending time with someone at higher risk of serious illness.
5. Eat well and keep healthy habits to support your immune system
Healthy habits can support overall well-being during flu season. Encourage employees to eat nutritious foods, get adequate rest and avoid becoming overtired when possible.
These steps do not guarantee that someone will avoid the flu, but they can support general health and complement vaccination and other prevention strategies.
What employees should do if flu symptoms develop
Flu symptoms can overlap with COVID-19, the common cold and seasonal allergies. Symptoms may begin quickly and can include:
- Body aches
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
Most people with mild flu symptoms can recover at home. Employees who are sick should stay home, drink plenty of fluids and limit close contact with others while they recover. Following workplace policies for illness and paid time off can help reduce the spread of infection.
Employees should contact a health care professional if they are unsure what is causing their symptoms or if they may benefit from antiviral medication. Antiviral medications may help people recover more quickly when prescribed early.
How employers can support a healthier workplace
Workplace leaders can help employees prepare for flu season by:
- Sharing reliable information about flu vaccination and prevention
- Promoting available health benefits and pharmacy resources
- Making hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies available
- Encouraging employees to stay home when they are sick
- Supporting reasonable flexibility for medical appointments
- Respecting employees’ privacy when discussing health concerns
Ascension Rx pharmacists can help answer medication questions and provide vaccinations. Employees can schedule a flu shot with Ascension Wisconsin or make an appointment with an Ascension Wisconsin primary care provider.