H1N1: How to Prepare

Karen Harned, executive director of the Small Business Legal Center, was part of a panel discussion at the Department of Health and Human Services discussing who small business owners can prepare for the H1N1 flu.

Download the article, H1N1 Labor and Employment Q&As.  (This article was drafted by the attorneys of Ogletree Deakins, a national labor and employment law firm that represents management. This information should not be relied upon as legal advice.)

Businesses are being told to increase efforts to combat H1N1 flu, which is expected to explode in the United States this fall. The CDC has recently updated guidelines. In the event of a flu pandemic, employers will play a critical role in protecting employees' health and safety. Start planning for flu pandemic now to protect employees and ensure continuity of business operations.

How is H1N1 influenza different from the typical seasonal flu? Why should I be concerned? 

H1N1 influenza (also known as “swine flu”) is different in three main ways.  First, H1N1 spreads more easily than the normal seasonal flu.  Second, H1N1 infects young, healthy people at a far greater rate than the typical flu does.  Finally, the normal seasonal flu shot will not protect against infection from H1N1 influenza.  Small business should plan now in order to protect employees and avoid business disruptions that could result from increased absenteeism.

How is H1N1 transmitted?

H1N1 is transmitted in the same manner as seasonal flu, by contact with people who are infected or surfaces that have been contaminated by infected persons.  H1N1 is contagious up to a day before symptoms occur, and for up to 7 days after becoming sick.  A good rule of thumb is that a person is still contagious for 24 hours after symptoms have disappeared. 

What can individuals do to avoid catching or spreading the disease?

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizers.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (or the elbow of your sleeve)
- Avoid close contact with others, 6 feet is a good rule of thumb.
- Get both a seasonal flu and an H1N1 vaccination.
- If you exhibit flu like symptoms (fever, cough, muscle weakness, loss of appetite), stay home.

What can businesses and employers do to protect themselves and their employees?

- Provide supplies for washing hands and sanitizing work stations (normal cleaning supplies and sanitizers work fine). 
- Clean frequently touched surfaces like break rooms and shared equipment.
- Encourage employees to get both a seasonal flu vaccine and the separate H1N1 vaccine.
- Remind employees about proper hygiene and sneeze/cough etiquette.
- Encourage sick employees to stay home, review your sick leave policy to facilitate this.

Where can I go to learn more?

Planning for 2009 H1N1 Influenza: A Preparedness Guide for Small Business

Preparing for the Flu: A Communication Toolkit for Businesses and Employers

This NFIB alert does not constitute legal advice, and you should consider consulting an attorney about any laws and regulations that are applicable in your state, locality or particular type of business.