The dos and don'ts for flu in the workplace
As an employer, you are understandably concerned about H1N1 flu and its impact on your workforce. Below is helpful information gathered from the Buncombe County Health Center and Mission Hospital.
- MOST IMPORTANT: DO tell your employees to stay home or go home immediately if they have fever and flu-like symptoms, such as head or muscle aches, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and in some cases, GI symptoms.
- They should NOT go to the Emergency Department unless they are pregnant, having trouble breathing or have an underlying breathing condition.
- It is best for those with flu-like symptoms to contact their regular medical provider for advice about being seen. The provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. Most people with H1N1 flu should simply stay home and rest.
- Please DO NOT ask the hospital or doctors to provide documentation that a person does not have flu.
- DO encourage and support your employees in getting seasonal flu shots now and H1N1 flu shots when they become available.
- DO provide opportunity for employees to wash hands frequently while at work. DO provide hand sanitizer, and instruct employees to sneeze into their sleeve, NOT their hands.
- DO post the attached information at your worksite.
- For questions or further updated information, DO provide and use these numbers, where you can talk to a live person 24-7.
Buncombe County Health Center Flu Hotline: 828-250-6400
CDC Information Line: 1-800-232-4636
