The World Health Organization has raised the Pandemic Threat level to 5.  Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.  

An influenza pandemic may be widespread and for an extended event.  The event will occur in multiple waves in the same geographic areas; each outbreak could last from 6 - 8 weeks.  Waves of outbreaks may occur over a year or more. 

Your workplace will likely experience: 

Absenteeism--a pandemic flu could affect as many as 40% of the workforce during periods of peak influenza.  Employees could be absent because they are sick; must care for family members or for children if schools or day care centers are closed.  Employers should plan now for changes to work patterns; plans for telecommuting; increases to processing of Family Medical Leave requests. 

Changes in patterns of commerce--during a pandemic, consumer demand for items related to infection control is likely to increase dramatically, while consumer interest in other goods may decline.  The public may be encouraged to self-quarantine and to avoid congregating in crowded areas such as sporting events; shopping centers; entertainment venues, etc. 

Interrupted supply/delivery--Shipments of items form those geographic areas severely affected by the pandemic may be delayed or cancelled.

Business should develop continuity plans NOW!

How is Influenza Spread

Influenza is spread through human to human contact via coughing or sneezing.  Employers should educate employees on proper respiratory hygiene (coughing or sneezing into tissues or elbow); frequent hand washing; and staying home if showing symptoms of flu.  Individuals should avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with symptomatic individuals.  Influenza can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces so employers should implement increased cleaning using a bleach solution 100ppm.

What are the symptoms 

•         Sudden onset of illness

•          Fever higher than 100.4 degree Fahrenheit

•          Chills

•          Cough

•          Headache

•          Sore throat

•          Stuffy nose

•          Muscle aches

•          Feeling of weakness

•          Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and/or exhaustion occur more commonly in children

Employees with symptoms should contact their primary care physician, by phone, for guidance 

Are my employees at risk?

The greatest risk to your employees are for those employees who work in close contact with a known infected individual; such as healthcare workers or laboratory workers working with infected specimens.  Additional risk levels would apply to employees with high potential for exposure to known or suspected sources of pandemic influenza virus.  Employees at a medium risk are those whose occupations include jobs that require frequent, close contact (within 6 feet) exposures to known or suspected sources of pandemic influenza virus such as coworkers, the general public, outpatients, school children or other such individuals or groups. 

If your company employs individuals in critical infrastructure positions such as law enforcement, emergency response or public utility employees) you should consider upgrading protective measures for those employees such as restricting travel or issuing N95 masks.

 

What should I do now to prepare?

• Develop a plan to operate with a reduced work force or to allow employees to work from home

• Modify your sick leave policy so as not to penalize sick employees and to encourage sick employees with flu-like symptoms to stay home; be aware that employees may also need to stay at home to care for ill family members or because of schools/day cares that have been closed

• Identify possible exposure risks for your employees; have your employees recently traveled to an area with confirmed cases; do your employees come into contact with people with influenza such as hospital or a clinic; are your employees expected to have a lot of contact with the general public

• Identify business essential positions and begin cross-training staff in those positions

• Stockpile items such as soap, tissue, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and recommended personal protective equipment and make those accessible to employees.  When stockpiling items, be aware of each product's shelf life and storage conditions and incorporate product rotation into your stockpile management program.

• Identify a central team of people to serve as a communication source that your employees and customers can have accurate information during the crisis

• Work with your employees and their union's to address leave, pay, transportation, travel, childcare, absence and other human resource issues

• Identify ways to implement social distancing; such as reduced meetings; increased use of telephone and e-mail communication; reduced travel; etc.

Common questions/myths

• My employees had the flu vaccine this fall so they are protected?  No.  The vaccine issued this fall was not the same strain as the current flu outbreak

• My employees are asking for the employer to give them face masks; are we required to?  Depends.  Under OSHA General Duty Clause the employer is responsible for providing personal protective equipment at no cost to the employer.  However, face masks are currently limited in availability and should be issued to those employees at high risk for exposure.

• My employee went to the doctor with flu like symptoms and received a "positive" rapid test; does that mean they have swine flu?  No.  There are several additional tests that must be performed before confirmation of H1N1 (or "swine flu") is confirmed.  Your employee may just have seasonal flu which is not the same as the current flu outbreak

If an employer has an employee with a confirmed case of H1N1, the local health department may work directly with that employer on recommendations for additional  actions. 

 

For additional information visit the following websites: 

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/workplaceplanning/index.html#employees

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm

http://www.healthalerts.ky.gov/

www.lexingtonhealthdepartment.org