We’ve made it past the holiday season and straight into the time of the year when the flu bug is what’s being shared. It’s a big change from just a month ago when everything was merry and bright! In fact, if you’re one of the unfortunate ones on the flu bug's list, merry and bright is the exact opposite of what you’re feeling. If you’re lucky enough to have so far avoided catching what everyone else seems to be wrestling with, chances are you’re surrounded by sneezing, sniffling, and coughing co-workers. Wearing a facemask and inflating a plastic bubble around your desk may help to keep those nasty germs at bay, but there are other ways you can protect yourself—and your unaffected faculty, staff, and students.
Be informed! Thirty-five states are now reporting widespread flu activity and at least 12 others are reporting regional activity. H1N1 the flu strand that caused a worldwide pandemic in 2009, is back again for another round this year. In 2009, it was called the Swine Flu and thought to have originated in pigs. Now, it is considered a human seasonal flu virus that can affect both humans and pigs. And, just a few weeks into the new year, it’s causing serious health concerns and deaths. Of course, this is not the only strand of the flu that people need to be aware of. Follow #flu or #FluFacts on Twitter to stay connected to the latest trending facts from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Get the flu shot. If you haven’t already gotten your flu shot and you’re not feeling under the weather, make a stop at your family doctor or local pharmacy to get vaccinated. The CDC suggests that anyone age six or older who has not yet received a flu shot this season should get one right away. It takes about a week to become fully effective, so the sooner you are protected, the better.
Wash your hands. You see these warnings everywhere. They’re posted for good reason—it really is one of the easiest ways to keep yourself protected from those unwanted cold and flu germs. After contact with people, time spent in public places and classrooms, and doing common tasks such as sorting mail and filing in a shared cabinet, you’ll want to scrub away what others may have left behind. Soap and warm water is preferred, but in situations where that’s not possible, use hand sanitizer.
Stock up on Vitamin C, Vitamin B, zinc, garlic, ginseng … With everyone surrounding you sniffling and sneezing, you’ll want to add extra ammo to your immune system's artillery. Studies are mixed, but according to WebMD Vitamin C, zinc, Echinacea, garlic, and ginseng are great for colds, whereas elderberry, garlic, ginseng, and andrographis (Indian Echinacea) are best for combating the flu. Or, to keep your preventive intake simpler, you can look for a combination lozenge. But, remember before you add any supplement to your diet, check with your doctor first—especially if you’re taking daily medicines or are pregnant.
Plan, plan, plan. The government reports that each flu season, nearly 111 million workdays are lost—equaling approximately $7 billion per year in sick days. Flu.gov has a number of PDFs and online safety checklists for employers looking to limit the flu's impact on their productivity. There is also a page on the site, "School Planning" that has informational sheets for educators and families.
Encourage sick employees to use their sick time. They might think they’re being brave and showing ambition by making the trek into the classroom or office with a fever, red nose, and a deep chest cough, but there’s nothing brave about it. It’s dangerous. Not just for them, but for everyone—students and colleagues. Reduce your school’s risk by encouraging sick faculty, staff, and students to stay at home until they are no longer contagious.
Additional ISM articles of interest
ISM Monthly Update for Business Managers Vol. 11 No. 5 Holistic Flu and Cold Prevention
ISM Monthly Update for Division Heads Vol. 10 No. 5 You and the Flu: What To Know and Do
ISM Monthly Update for Division Heads Vol. 10 No. 5 Drink Up!
