Dr. Judith Hartner

Swine flu (H1N1) is just a sniffly inconvenience to most of its victims, but it can have serious side effects for employers. Nearly one out of three people are predicted to contract it—many of them working-age. Although it’s typically treatable with over-the-counter medications, H1N1 by August had killed three people in Lee County, all in their 50s, and hospitalized several more in the region. Statewide, deaths were mostly among people in their 40s and 50s. Lee County Health Department Director Judith Hartner suggests that employers and businesses take additional precautions.

Who’s at risk for H1N1?
The fact that this is a novel virus, not one that has previously circulated, means that most of us are not immune to it, so everyone is at risk. Most of those who are getting sick are children and young adults.

Is there a reason why working-age people should be more cautious?
There are estimates that 30 percent of us could become sick with this in the course of the year; imagine running a business if you have one-third of your workforce out sick. Make it clear that staying home because they’re ill is not going to impact their job. Many employers require a doctor’s note. We really don’t want to be sending people with influenza into crowded doctors’ waiting rooms where they can pass it on.

What other steps should employers take to prevent it or deal with it?
Go to www.flu.gov. They’ll find guidance for businesses and employers and a tool kit for employers. Look at personnel policies, look at continuity of operations in terms of how can you keep your business going if you have significant absentee rate, promote hand washing, promote sick employees staying home, have a policy about sending employees home if they come to work sick.