In addition to a global pandemic, it’s also flu season.
That means it’s more important than ever to take precautions to keep the seasonal flu from spreading.
Here are 10 ways to keep your workers safe during the peak of the flu season:
1. Recommend all workers get vaccinated.
The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus. It takes about two weeks for the vaccination to take full effect, so it’s important to get it as soon as possible. Employers can also provide on-site flu shots with mobile medical companies such as Worksite Medical.
2. Encourage workers to stay home when sick.
This is key to keep the virus from spreading. The CDC recommends that workers who have a fever above 100 and/or respiratory symptoms should stay at home until at least 24 hours after their fever events without the use of medication.
Not everyone with the flu will have a fever – so tell employees to look out for other symptoms such as runny nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting.
3. Implement hand sanitizing and hand washing stations around the worksite and encourage workers to sanitize frequently.
The best way to prevent the spread of germs is to wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
4. Continue social distancing.
Staying six feet apart can help stop the transmission of both COVID-19 and the flu virus.
5. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper sleeve.
The simple rule of “cover your mouth” is highly effective. After a sneeze or a cough, washing your hands is extra important.
6. Clean frequently touched surfaces.
Commonly used surfaces such as counters, door handles, phones, computer keyboards and touchpads should be cleaned after each use.
7. Limit shared equipment or clean equipment before others use it.
Avoid using a co-worker’s phone, desk, office, computer or other equipment unless they are cleaned with an EPA-approved disinfectant.
8. Spread awareness and knowledge.
Train workers on how to stay healthy at work during flu season. Make sure to also train new and temporary workers.
9. Wear a face covering.
This year is certainly different than any other in our history, as face coverings have become a part of everyday attire. By continuing to wear your face covering, and by enforcing it as a rule in your workplace, you’ll help to limit the spread of both COVID-19 and the flu virus.
10. Consider alternative work schedules.
If possible, offer options to telework or schedule staggered shifts — especially for those who are high risk for seasonal flu. This includes older workers, pregnant women, or those with asthma.
Learn more about the importance of staying safe and getting your flu vaccination in 2020. For more resources, check out recommendations from OSHA.
How to Host a Mobile Flu Shot Clinic During Flu Season
Hosting a flu vaccine clinic is simple, especially when you use a medical company that already travels to work sites on a daily basis.
Worksite Medical has a fleet of mobile medical vehicles, and we will prepare the events to be quick, thorough, and without much disruption. Your workers can come directly into the vehicle to receive their vaccinations from experienced, trained medical technicians, then get back right back to work. In just one day, your team can remain protected throughout the entire flu season.
Due to the high volume of flu vaccine requests this year, we are only offering them as a solution to companies who also need medical surveillance testing, such as audiometric exams, respirator fit testing, lab work, and/or OSHA physicals. See our full list of services here.
Contact Worksite Medical to book your mobile flu shot clinic today, and stay ahead of flu season. Complete the form below to get started, or call us at 1-844-622-8633.
‘Not sure if we cover your area? Check out our coverage map HERE.
*Note: Worksite Medical does not accept insurance for flu shot clinics.
