Workers warned to prepare for flu season

As flu season approaches, businesses are being urged to take steps to protect their workplaces from illness.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is reminding workers that having the flu vaccine each year is the best form of protection. Employers are urged to encourage healthy workers to get the flu shot and to advise sick workers to stay home and not spread the flu.

Having the flu shot not only protects the recipient, it also helps to safeguard others in the community who may have compromised immunity.

Flu viruses spread in respiratory droplets from a cough or sneeze and droplets containing the virus can settle onto surfaces, such as doorknobs, and then spread when the surfaces are touched.

According to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, employers should consider funding a flu vaccination program for staff and ensuring good hygiene standards around the workplace because, while the flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu, personal hygiene also helps prevent the spread of infection.

The associated cost may be offset by reduced sick leave and absenteeism.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Csák István