H1N1 Flu Information for Businesses and Employers

Novel H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?

The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever > 38.5/100, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.  Also, like seasonal flu, complications requiring hospitalisation and sometimes and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

 How does novel H1N1 virus spread?

Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

Studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. 

What can employers do to protect employees?

• Encourage sick workers to stay home and away from the workplace, and provide flexible leave policies.
• Encourage infection control practices in the workplace by displaying posters that address and remind workers about proper hand washing, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette.
• Provide written guidance (email, etc.) on pandemic influenza A (H1N1) flu appropriate for the language and literacy levels of everyone in the workplace. Employers should work closely with public health doctors to ensure they are providing the most appropriate and up-to-date information
• Provide sufficient facilities for hand washing and alcohol-based (at least 60%) hand sanitizers (or wipes) in common workplace areas such as lobbies, corridors, and restrooms.
• Provide tissues, disinfectants, and disposable towels for employees to clean their work surfaces, as well as appropriate disposal receptacles for use by employees.
• One study showed that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.  To reduce the chance of spread of the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus, disinfect commonly-touched hard surfaces in the workplace, such as work stations, counter tops, door knobs, and bathroom surfaces by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

What can employees do to reduce the spread of novel influenza A (H1N1)  flu in the workplace?

• Stay home if you are sick. If you have symptoms of influenza-like illness, stay home for 7 days after symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Following these recommendations will help keep you from infecting others and spreading the virus.
• Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with pandemic H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, notify their supervisor and stay home if they become ill. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue 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 sanitizers can be used if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.   If an employee suspects that they have been exposed to a sick person with pandemic H1N1 influenza they may continue to go to work as usual.  These employees should monitor their health every day and should notify their supervisor and stay home if they become ill

Management of Employee Exposure in the Workplace

What to do when an employee comes to work with influenz-like illness symptoms in a community where novel influenza A (H1N1) virus is circulating

• Place the employee in a room by him- or herself.
• If the employee needs to go into a common area, he or she should cover coughs/sneezes with a tissue or wear a facemask if available and tolerable.
• Notify the employee’s supervisor or employer.
• Send the employee home as soon as possible.
• Call for emergency medical services if the ill person develops any of the emergency warning signs
  • Ensure the ill employee stays home for 7 days after symptom onset or until symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.

What to do for co-workers of an employee who is a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) flu

• Inform the employees of their exposure to a co-worker with confirmed, probable, or suspected pandemic H1N1 flu during the ill person’s infectious period.
• Have the employees monitor themselves for symptoms.
• Advise employees to check with their health care provider about any special care they might need if they are pregnant or have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema.

Considerations for Pregnant Employees with Suspected Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu