Flu and Business Continuity Concerns

With at least two states already declaring states of emergency due to flu, it's important that you do everything you can to prepare your organization and your employees. While no one is suggesting a pandemic at this point, the fact that the flu has hit so hard and so early means we need to take steps to help keep businesses open if things get worse. This week's articles should help you decide what you need to do... or, if you've a plan already, what else you need to do. Stay healthy!

Take a look at CNN's update on flu conditions across the country. (Item #1)   Although we're dealing with a flu epidemic rather than pandemic, there are some good tips in this paper that make sense now. (Item #2)   The SBA offers seven steps to take in this flu season. (Item #3)  

Educate your employees about the flu... and how to avoid spreading it. (Item #4)   Use resources provided by the CDC to help get through the flu season. (Item #5)   Learn how to avoid letting flu season interfere with your business. (Item #6)  

As always, we look forward to hearing your comments & insights regarding business continuity. If you have a topic you'd like us to cover, email me at [email protected].

Bob Mellinger, President
Attainium Corp

1. Flu 'epidemic ... still on the uptick,' national health official says

The flu is spreading fiercely across the United States, with more than 40 states reporting widespread activity in what one of the nation's leading health officials is calling an epidemic. "...we are into what would classically be described as a flu epidemic," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/09/health/us-flu-season/index.html

2. Responding to an Influenza Pandemic

Among the many implications and responsibilities for businesses in the event of a pandemic would be high rates of absenteeism, disruption to supply-chains, disruption to business travel, controlling risk of infection in the workplace and a fall in demand for goods and services, as well as human resource, insurance and cash flow implications. This could be devastating for a business which has failed to plan adequately for a pandemic scenario.
http://www.forfas.ie/media/forfas070228_business_continuity.pdf

3. Flu Season Hits US: Seven Steps You Can Take to Prepare Your Business and Employees

The 2012-2013 flu season arrived earlier than usual. As the nation braces for increased flu activity, now is the time to prepare yourself, your business, and your employees. Not only is prevention important for physical health, it may impact your bottom line if your staff are out sick. Here are some tips to help you avoid illness and maintain business continuity.
http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/flu-season-hits-us-seven-steps-you-can-take-prepare-your-business-and-employees

4. Help reduce the flu at work

Each influenza (or flu) season is unique and cannot be predicted. On average, approximately five to 20 percent of US residents get the flu each year. Influenza infections are associated with substantial medical costs, more than 200,000 hospitalizations and thousands of deaths annually in the US. Wondering how you can stop the flu in its tracks? Here's a simple checklist.
http://www.nfid.org/idinfo/influenza/flu-at-work.pdf

5. CDC: Seasonal Flu

To help businesses, employers, and their employees learn about these strategies for preventing flu, CDC provides the following Toolkit, flyers, posters, and other materials to post and distribute in the workplace.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/business/

6. Influenza & Your Business

Each winter, the seasonal flu kills approximately 36,000 Americans, hospitalizes more than 200,000, and costs the U.S. economy more than $10 billion in lost productivity and direct medical expenses. This flu season in not expected to kill off millions of people or make entire cities shut down completely. But with the flu seasons in recent history like the one including H1N1 virus (swine flu), the chances of you or your staff contracting at least one form of the flu is greater than previous years. Learn how to avoid letting the next flu season significantly impact your business.
http://www.sbtdc.org/resources/recovery/pandemic-flu/