Flu season generally runs from October to April each year. The Flu is a respiratory (i.e., nose, throat, and lung) infection that can be caused by a variety of viruses. For most people, the Flu lasts 1 to 2 weeks. Ensure that your workplace is prepared for this flu season to ensure the protection of your workers.
The flu takes 1 to 4 days to incubate in humans. The infected can become contagious starting the day before any symptoms appear; adults remain contagious for about six days. Remember that you can reduce your risk of getting the flu by washing your hands regularly using soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, ensure this is encouraged in your workplace.
Everyone is at risk, but people who fall under these categories are encouraged to go see a healthcare professional or a high-risk clinic to get a flu shot:
- Anyone aged 65 or older
- People with underlying medical conditions, including people with:
- Asthma and other chronic lung diseases (e.g., Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD], Cystic Fibrosis)
- Diabetes and other metabolic diseases
- Heart diseases(e.g., Coronary Artery Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, congenital Heart Disease
- Kidney disease
- Blood disorders (e.g., anemia, sickle cell anemia)
- Morbid Obesity (BMI over 40 or higher)
- Neurologic and neurodevelopment disorders that affect their ability to swallow and breathe
- A weakened immune system (immunocompromised), which can be caused by:
- HIV/AIDS, an infection that attacks the immune system
- Cancer
- Medications that suppress the immune system
Increase awareness in your workplace to ensure that the spreading of the flu is prevented as much as possible. Ensure workplace policies and procedures include flu prevention procedures.
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