What’s Your Contingency Plan?
By Dan Shube
Director of Marketing
Labor Finders International

While most businesses were hoping for a shot in the arm from the Federal Government, it seems that help is on the way via a shot in the arm from another source. Thankfully, it will not increase the budget deficit; however, it will stabilize employment.

So, did I get your attention? Before you ship me to Washington, D.C. to broker a deal with Congress, the shot in the arm that I am talking about is the H1N1 vaccine that is due to arrive any day now.

The traditional flu and the H1N1 (formerly known as “Swine Flu”) are being predicted by the Centers for Disease Control to be set for a “banner” year. I’ve heard that we can expect as many as 50% of the U.S. population to contract the flu this season.

I didn’t think I needed a flu shot in the past. Could this be a bunch of hype? My friend Frank Licari, of The Jove, a local improv troupe, recently performed “Swine Flu Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” They found humor in the influenza hysteria. As a business owner or manager, should you risk your business by not being prepared for the worst?

To understand what you are up against, here is some insight I compiled courtesy of The Florida Department of Health and The Centers for Disease Control.

What is Influenza (H1N1) or “Swine Flu?”

You do not get H1N1 by eating pork. The full name of this virus includes the phrase “swine origin.” H1N1 is a completely new or novel influenza virus the US encountered in April 2009, which is why no one is immune to it. H1N1 has gene pieces from four different influenza viruses.

H1N1 is different from seasonal influenza in that so far, the most severe cases and deaths have occurred in adults under the age of 50 years. Usually, most deaths and severe complications from seasonal influenza occur in people 65 years or older.

Like seasonal influenza, H1N1 is thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. People can become infected by touching something, such as a surface or object, with flu germs on it, and then touching their mouth or nose. H1N1 can survive on many environmental surfaces for 2 to 8 hours and still be able to cause illness.

The symptoms of H1N1 infection usually include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people infected with H1N1 have also reported vomiting and diarrhea. Most get better without needing medical treatment or hospitalizations, but severe complications have occurred, especially in the following high-risk groups:

  • Pregnant women
  • Infants and children (including people less than 19 years on long term aspirin therapy)
  • Patients with chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart or kidney disease, etc.)
  • Immunosuppressed (e.g. HIV, on chemotherapy, long-term steroids, etc.)

Influenza Activity

Evidence from multiple outbreak sites shows that H1N1 is now the dominant influenza strain in most parts of the world. So far, studies have detected no signs that the virus has mutated to a more virulent or lethal form.

Just like in many sports, when it comes to the flu, the best offense is a good defense. Vaccination is the best way to prevent spread of the disease and avoid the serious complications of influenza especially in the high-risk groups. Vaccines for the seasonal flu are already available. H1N1 vaccines will be ready very soon; however, the high-risk groups will be the first in line. If supplies are available, the vaccine will be made available to others.

How can you stay healthy and prevent the spread of the flu?

  • Stay informed.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sneeze into your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective. You need a good 15 seconds of contact time for soap and water or hand gels for best effect.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without taking fever-reducing medicines) except to get medical care or for other necessities.
  • Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
  • If you are going to the doctor’s office or clinic, you should tell them about your symptoms first.
  • If at any time during your illness you feel like you are getting worse, seek medical attention.Follow public health advice regarding social distancing measures.
  • Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety.

What is your contingency plan?

Therefore, you faithfully follow the advice above. Do you really think that none of your employees will miss time this flu season? That is not likely!

Due to the challenging economy, most companies have cut their staff to the bone. Have you ever heard of Murphy’s Law? Anyone want to wager the days that your employees call in sick are the days you need them most?

It is times like these that temporary staffing firms are ready to help fill in. Your local Labor Finders office has healthy workers with the skills you require on a minute’s notice. Click here to find your office.

It could be worse… at least flu shots are in your arm!
 
Terms of Use | Site Map | Site Feedback

11426 North Jog Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL - 33418

Copyright 2010 Labor Finders