Are Your Workers Protected From the Flu?

U.S. businesses spend more than $10 billion annually in direct costs for influenza, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency is encouraging employers to take steps to stem the spread of the flu despite a new survey showing a majority of adults do not plan to get flu shots.

With October being the official start of the flu season, many health officials are advising businesses to encourage their employees to get flu shots now. The CDC has produced materials for businesses to promote vaccinations.

While not creating the frenzy seen during last year's flu season, health officials warn that the 2009 H1N1 virus and regular seasonal strains will cause illnesses this flu season.

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According to the CDC, people at higher risk of complications from flu include adults over 65, pregnant women, adults receiving long-term aspirin therapy, and children under five. Additionally at risk is anyone with any of the following underlying diseases or conditions:

Chronic pulmonary diseases, such as asthma.
Cardiovascular disease, except high-blood pressure.
Kidney diseases.
Liver diseases.
Blood diseases, such as sickle-cell disease.
Neurologic or neuromuscular diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy.
Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes.
Immunosuppression, such as HIV or caused by medication.

The CDC says last year saw the spread of the first flu pandemic in more than 40 years. It estimates more than 12,000 flu-related deaths in the U.S. with another 270,000 hospitalizations. The numbers were lower than in a typical flu season, although younger adults were affected disproportionately.

Despite the facts, many adults say last year's hype was overblown, and they cite that as a reason they are avoiding flu shots this year. A survey of more than 1,500 U.S. adults shows just 37 percent plan to get the seasonal flu vaccine this year -- down from 45 percent last year.

Among health care workers, 28 percent said they don't plan on getting flu shots despite the risks posed to patients. Among people considered at higher risk for the flu, 45 percent said they would get vaccinated.

Nearly half the respondents who said they were not planning to get flu shots said the swine flu epidemic last year was overblown. Other reasons cited were:

Concerns about side effects of the vaccine.
Concerns over safety.
Beliefs the vaccine doesn't work.

The CDC is recommending that everyone over six months of age get a flu vaccine. This year's version will protect again three viruses: H3N2, Influenza B, and H1N1.

Help for employers. The CDC has developed materials to help employers promote vaccinations among their staff. Included is Make It Your Business To Fight The Flu: A Toolkit for Businesses and Employers Promoting the 2010-2011 Seasonal Flu Vaccine. It includes information, checklists, and two strategies for businesses to fight the spread of the flu among employees.

1. Host a flu vaccination clinic in the workplace. To minimize absenteeism, the CDC suggests employers offer on-site seasonal flu vaccinations to employees at little or low cost to their employees. The vaccinations can be set up in an on-site occupational health clinic or nearby pharmacies and community vaccinators that may offer to help.

2. Promote flu vaccination in the community. "Make sure your employees know where they and their family can get seasonal flu vaccination in the community. Find out about health providers, pharmacies or clinics that offer seasonal flu vaccinations in your community. Partner with a pharmacy or provider to get your employees vaccinated," the CDC advises.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

November 15, 2010

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