Singapore - With the H1N1 virus now in Singapore, companies should be on the alert to minimise even the spread of the common flu.
Because the symptoms of the H1N1 are similar to seasonal influenza, it is difficult to tell these two apart. Besides the usual fever, cough, running nose, aches, chills and fatigue, several illnesses and deaths have resulted due to infection from these viruses.
While most of us are already familiar with the basic ways to prevent the spread of flu, Rosaline Chow Koo, Mercer's worldwide partner and Asia Pacific health & benefits leader, says more can be done.
Firstly, provide written guidance on novel influenza A (H1N1) flu appropriate for the language and literacy levels of everyone in the workplace. This will allow employees to take note of the symptoms and check with a doctor if they are uncertain if it is the common flu or H1N1.
Secondly, Koo suggests bringing up hygiene control in the workplace, with sufficient sanitisers, disinfectants and disposable towels. "Stay home for 7 days after symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer", says Koo. She adds that the measures to prevent the spread of common flu and H1N1 are the same.
When an employee comes into work with influenza-like symptoms at a time when the H1N1 is circulating, companies should take measures to ensure that the virus does not spread. Koo recommends companies to do the following when this occurs:
- Notify the appropriate health centre or first aid personnel.
- Place the employee in an isolated room away from others.
- If the employee needs to go into a common area, he or she should cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or wear a mask if it is available.
- 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 emergency warning signs like confusion, difficulty breathing, dizziness, pain and sudden vomiting.
For more information on actions to take when you experience flu-like symptoms, visit here:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm
