Protect Your Business, Protect Your Employees – Preparing for Flu and COVID Season

As the saying goes, “a healthy workforce is a productive workforce.” In today’s world, where flu and COVID-19 remain ongoing threats, safeguarding employee health is more crucial than ever. The negative impact of a viral illness such as the Flu or Covid on the employee who contracts the disease is obvious, but the ramifications are much greater when coworkers are impacted. The fear of going into the workplace affects company morale and can have a negative impact on a company’s workforce.

COVID-19 is now considered endemic, meaning it will always be present. Employers must prioritize their employees’ health and safety to maintain smooth business operations, especially as flu season approaches and COVID variants continue to evolve.

No “COVID Season,” but Spikes Expected During Flu Season

During the fall and winter, influenza cases often spike, and COVID-19 is expected to follow a similar pattern as people spend more time indoors. Businesses need to take precautions to protect employees and maintain operations during these critical months.

Prevention Strategies for Flu and COVID-19

Implementing prevention strategies in the workplace is essential to minimize the impact of flu and COVID-19. Key measures include:

• Encourage Vaccination: Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the flu and COVID-19. Encourage employees to get vaccinated and consider offering on-site clinics.
• Promote Good Hygiene: Handwashing, sanitizers, tissues, and disinfectant wipes help prevent germ spread. Remind employees to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing and wear masks if symptomatic.
• Flexible Sick Leave Policies: Flexible sick leave helps prevent workplace illness spread and protects vulnerable individuals.
• Enhanced Cleaning Protocols: Regular disinfection of high-touch areas reduces the spread of viruses. Professional cleaning services can ensure thorough sanitation.
• Educate Employees: Share information from reputable sources like the CDC to promote accurate prevention strategies.

Understanding Current COVID Variants

The landscape of COVID-19 continues to evolve with the emergence of new variants:

• Rise of the KP.2 Variant: As of May, KP.2 makes up about 28% of U.S. infections, surpassing its parental strain, JN.1. These variants are part of the “FLiRT variants,” which include mutations that help the virus evade antibodies while maintaining infection capability.
• Implications for Vaccination: The FDA is currently evaluating which variant to target for the fall 2024 COVID vaccine, focusing on those within the JN.1 lineage.

What Are “FLiRT Variants”?

FLiRT variants, like KP.2, represent a family of variants that share key mutations, enhancing their ability to evade antibodies while maintaining strong cell-binding. These changes may drive additional infection waves, especially among high-risk groups.

Protecting Against FLiRT Variants

• Immunity Considerations: Recent infections with JN.1 offer some protection, while older variants may provide less defense. Vaccines, including those targeting recent strains, continue to play a crucial role in prevention.
• Symptom Management: Symptoms remain consistent with previous Omicron strains, and while overall disease severity is lower due to immunity, vulnerable populations still face higher risks.

Financial Impact of Workplace Outbreaks

Workplace outbreaks can result in significant financial costs, including increased healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and potential reputational damage. Proactive prevention can help mitigate these risks.

Final Thoughts

Flu and COVID outbreaks impact employee health and business operations. Implementing prevention strategies and staying updated on current COVID variants are key to protecting your business and workforce during flu season and beyond.