It is never too early to be proactive in preventing an influenza outbreak in your work place! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shipments for the seasonal flu vaccine began in mid-summer and will continue throughout September and October. The Flu season typically runs October – May.

According the CDC everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season as the best form of prevention. Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. By getting the vaccine it can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

As a way to help prevent your workforce from becoming impacted dramatically by the flu consider hosting a flu shot clinic at your workplace! This will make getting access to the vaccine extremely easy for employees. Also encourage employees to get a flu shot by offering it as part of your wellness program.

Schedule a flu clinic with Alyfe before March 31, 2016 and get a FREE Lunch ‘N Learn session!

In addition to receiving a flu vaccine, here are a few ways to protect your employees from exposure to influenza, including:

• Educate employees about the heightened risk of seasonal influenza and the importance of staying away from others who are experiencing flulike symptoms.

• Promote good hand hygiene among everyone in your home, which means washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice), especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60 percent alcohol also are effective.

• Encourage everyone to practice respiratory etiquette by covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or with your arm. Dispose of tissues in a waste receptacle after use.

• Stress the importance of not handling shared items such as telephones, fax machines, printers or desk items.Among your roommates and/or immediate family members,

• Educate your staff about symptoms of the flu — fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting also may be experienced.

How does your office handle the flu season? How early does your workplace schedule flu clinics and how has that affected productivity? Talk to us in the comments section!