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The CDC has issued an alert on Swine Flu, the H1N1 virus also called Swine Influenza A.

 

The complete OSHA guidance on Swine Flu Preparedness is available free to employers.

 

Although no immediate danger exists, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has declared a public health emergency in the U.S.

 

The possibility of a global influenza epidemic – or pandemic – is not recent. For years, OSHA has recommended that every employer have plans in place for a major influenza epidemic, just as they have emergency plans to cope with a power outage or a severe winter storm.

 

A global influenza epidemic would occur when the flu virus mutated to produce a new strain. The popular flu shots would not be effective against the new strain. That is exactly the current situation with the swine flu.

 

There is no evidence that the current swine flu outbreak in Mexico will become a pandemic – but it is the type of flu that is most likely to cause a pandemic. This is a great time for employers to review their emergency precautions.

 

There has not been an influenza pandemic  since1918. The Spanish Flu afflicted 50% of the world’s population, affecting people in every city and town. About 50 million people died, a number comparable to 33% of the population of Europe at the time. The pandemic killed more people than World War I. 

 

Seasonal influenza outbreaks are usually fatal only to small children, the elderly and those with major health problems. Pandemics occur when a new strain of the virus appears, because humans have no antibodies to fight the new strains. Most of those who died from the Spanish Flu were otherwise healthy young people in their late teens, twenties or early thirties.

 

Because there would be no defense against the flu during a pandemic, employers are urged to have plans in place to minimize contact between employees. This would include allowing employee to work from home, and scheduling conference calls or remote meetings using laptop cameras, rather than face-to-face business meetings. They also urge that businesses such as retail stores use delivery or drive-thru windows to minimize contact between employees and the public.

 

During a pandemic, most businesses would suffer staffing shortages due to the absence of afflicted workers. Theaters, malls, restaurants and other public gathering places would likely be deserted, as people remained isolated in an attempt to avoid spreading the flu.

 

However, certain businesses would likely be overwhelmed by demand during an influenza pandemic. Pharmacies and grocery stores would experience unusual demand. Hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinics might be overwhelmed. Employers should make plans now – before they are needed – to deal with those situations.

 

 

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