H1N1 - Workplace

Workplaces

Right now, it's business as usual for workplaces. The H1N1 virus requires the same infection control practices as you would during a typical influenza season.

What precautions should you and your employees take?

Everyone is encouraged to follow the usual infection control precautions to stay healthy and reduce the risk of illness. To reduce the risk of illness:

Wash your hands well and often. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains between 60-90 per cent alcohol
Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand. Dispose of tissues immediately.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way
Stay home when you are ill and limit your contact with others
Clean and disinfect shared surfaces

Employers can help to encourage infection control practices by providing information to employees, promote prevention through posters and being prepared with plans for potential staff absences. It is good practice to regularly review and familiarize staff with business continuity and pandemic plans.

Should my staff come to work if they are ill?

Anyone who has flu-like symptoms is advised to stay home; to help them get better and to reduce others from getting the flu. It is good to review your and your family's health daily. It is also important for businesses to be ready for a potential of increased absences.

How long should an ill person stay home?

If you are ill, stay home until there is no fever and you are feeling better.

Where does my staff fit into the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine sequence?

Flu vaccines will be available in a three phased approach. The goal is to protect those most at risk for complications from catching the flu this year.

In October, the seasonal flu vaccination will be offered to people over the age of 65 and residents of long-term care facilities. The H1N1 flu vaccine has been available in York Region as of October 28, 2009 according to sequence, and is now available to everyone.

Click here to see the clinic list
Click here for a clinic poster that can be used at your workplace.

After the H1N1 vaccine has been rolled out, the seasonal flu vaccine will be available to everyone who is six months of age and over who lives, works or attends school in York Region.

Click here to view a chart of the timing of vaccines

Will there be workplace based clinics for seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines?

Workplaces and agencies can apply to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to prequalify to provide the H1N1 flu immunization to employees. Staff can also get their H1N1 flu shot through community flu shot clinics or their family physician.

What about health care settings?

Staff in health care settings should speak to their employer regarding guidelines. Health care settings are advised to reference the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care website for specific information for health care providers.

Where can I get more information and current updates?

The following sites provide the most current information on the H1N1 flu virus:

York Region Community and Health Services Department, along with other public health units, provincial and federal authorities, continues to monitor and respond to the situation. To contact us, please call our Health Connection Line at 1-800-361-5653.

For general information on the H1N1 flu virus, please call the ServiceOntario INFO line at 1-800-476-9708.

Last update: November 26, 2009

Note � This information is based on the best evidence available. As more information becomes available, this information will be updated.